Snakes in Suits by Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare

Imagine this: You’re sitting in a boardroom, surrounded by sharp-dressed executives. The air is thick with ambition, and the CEO is delivering a charismatic speech about the company’s bright future. But beneath the polished surface, something feels... off. The charm seems too calculated, the promises too grandiose, and the empathy conspicuously absent. Could it be that the person at the head of the table isn’t just a savvy leader, but a psychopath in a suit?

This is the unsettling premise of Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work by Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare, a groundbreaking book that pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of corporate psychopaths. Combining Hare’s expertise in psychopathy (he developed the widely used Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, or PCL-R) with Babiak’s insights into organizational psychology, the book reveals how psychopaths thrive in the cutthroat world of business—and what we can do to stop them.

The Corporate Psychopath: A Wolf in Armani Clothing

When we think of psychopaths, we often picture violent criminals or Hollywood villains like Hannibal Lecter. But Snakes in Suits introduces us to a far more insidious figure: the corporate psychopath. These individuals are not lurking in dark alleys; they’re sitting in corner offices, climbing the corporate ladder, and leaving a trail of chaos in their wake.

Psychopaths are characterized by traits like superficial charm, manipulativeness, lack of empathy, and a grandiose sense of self-worth. In the corporate world, these traits can be mistaken for leadership potential. Psychopaths excel at playing the game—they know how to schmooze, manipulate, and exploit others to get ahead. They’re the ultimate office politicians, adept at taking credit for others’ work, sabotaging rivals, and charming their way out of trouble.

But their success comes at a cost. Psychopaths are often responsible for toxic work environments, unethical decision-making, and financial ruin. They leave behind a wake of broken careers, demoralized employees, and damaged organizations.

How Psychopaths Infiltrate Organizations

Babiak and Hare outline the stages through which psychopaths infiltrate and dominate organizations:

Entry: Psychopaths use their charm and charisma to ace interviews and win over decision-makers. They often exaggerate their accomplishments and present themselves as the perfect candidate.

Assessment: Once inside, they quickly identify the power players, the gullible, and the potential threats. They form alliances with influential colleagues while undermining those who see through their facade.

Manipulation: Psychopaths manipulate information, spread rumors, and pit colleagues against each other to consolidate power. They thrive in chaotic environments, which they often create themselves.

Confrontation: When their behavior is questioned, psychopaths deflect blame, gaslight their accusers, and play the victim. Their lack of empathy allows them to remain calm and calculated under pressure.

Ascension: By the time their true nature is revealed, it’s often too late. They’ve already climbed the ladder, leaving a trail of destruction behind them.

The Cost of Corporate Psychopathy

The impact of psychopaths in the workplace is staggering. They contribute to:

Toxic Work Cultures: Their manipulative behavior fosters distrust, fear, and competition among employees.

Financial Losses: Psychopaths often engage in risky or unethical behavior that can lead to scandals, lawsuits, and financial ruin.

Employee Burnout: Their relentless pursuit of power can exhaust and demoralize their colleagues, leading to high turnover rates.

One of the most chilling aspects of Snakes in Suits is its real-life examples. The authors draw on case studies of corporate psychopaths who rose to power, only to bring down entire organizations. These stories serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that the line between a visionary leader and a dangerous psychopath can be perilously thin.

How to Spot a Corporate Psychopath

So, how can you protect yourself and your organization from these “snakes in suits”? Babiak and Hare offer practical advice for identifying and dealing with psychopaths in the workplace:

Look Beyond the Charm: Don’t be swayed by charisma alone. Pay attention to inconsistencies in their stories and behavior.

Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Psychopaths often leave people feeling uneasy, even if they can’t pinpoint why.

Check References: Psychopaths often leave a trail of burned bridges. Thoroughly vet their past employment and speak to former colleagues.

Promote Transparency: Create a culture of openness and accountability, making it harder for psychopaths to manipulate and deceive.

Seek Professional Help: If you suspect someone in your organization is a psychopath, consult with HR or a mental health professional.

A Wake-Up Call for the Corporate World

Snakes in Suits is more than just a book; it’s a wake-up call. In a world that often rewards ruthlessness and charisma, it’s easy for psychopaths to thrive. But by understanding their tactics and learning to spot the warning signs, we can protect ourselves and our organizations from their destructive influence.

The next time you find yourself in a boardroom, take a closer look at the person at the head of the table. Are they a visionary leader—or a wolf in Armani clothing? The answer could mean the difference between success and disaster.

Final Thought

Babiak and Hare’s Snakes in Suits is a gripping, eye-opening exploration of a phenomenon that affects us all, whether we realize it or not. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever worked in an office, managed a team, or wondered why some people seem to rise to the top, no matter the cost. After all, in the corporate jungle, it’s not just survival of the fittest—it’s survival of the most cunning. And sometimes, the most cunning are the most dangerous.