131. Do you work with a psychopath? With Dr Abigail Marsh

Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

When we think of psychopaths, names like Ted Bundy or Hannibal Lecter come to mind. But what if we told you that psychopathy is much more common than you think—and that you might have already worked with someone who has these traits?

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr Abigail Marsh, an expert in psychopathy and altruism, to unpack this complex disorder and how it manifests in the workplace.

Dr Abigail Marsh is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Georgetown University. Her research focuses on the brain structures and personality traits associated with psychopathy and altruism. With over 2.5 million views on her TED Talk and her groundbreaking book The Fear Factor, Dr Marsh is a leading voice in dispelling the myths surrounding psychopathy.

Key Discussion Points:

• Psychopathy 101: What is psychopathy, and how does it differ from sociopathy?
• Psychopaths in the Workplace: While only about 1-2% of the general population meet the clinical criteria for psychopathy, some industries attract a higher proportion of people with these traits.
• Spotting the Signs: How do you know if you’re working with a psychopath? Dr Marsh shares insights on how to spot behaviors like manipulation, charm used for self-serving purposes, and a lack of remorse or guilt.
• Managing Psychopathy in the Workplace: What should leaders do if they suspect a team member or even a colleague exhibits psychopathic traits?
• Extreme Altruism: On the opposite end of the spectrum lies extreme altruism. While psychopaths tend to lack empathy, some people are hardwired to care deeply about others.

Take the Psychopathy Screening Test

Curious about psychopathy traits? Try this screening tool developed by Psychopathy Is: Psychopathy Screening Test

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Watch Dr Abby Marsh’s TED Talk: Why Some People Are More Altruistic Than Others
• Explore Dr Marsh’s Book, The Fear Factor: Buy on Amazon
• Visit Psychopathy Is: PsychopathyIs.org
• Connect with Dr Marsh on LinkedIn

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Email us at hello@truthliesandwork.com or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your experiences, questions, or suggestions for future topics.

Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:

• UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
• US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.

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