How to … Spot a toxic boss

The number of managers who display narcissistic and psychopathic traits is on the rise, research shows, putting employees’ mental health at risk. 

“It’s common for people to use these terms loosely but we’re not referring to challenging bosses here,” says Prof Renata Schoeman, head of health-care leadership at Stellenbosch Business School.

“Narcissists and psychopaths have distinct, clinically identifiable traits. Recognising these traits accurately is crucial, as misunderstanding can lead to wrongful labelling and conflict.”

She advises:

• Dark leadership, which is characterised by behaviours that are harmful to individuals and organisations — is linked to an increase in stress, anxiety, depression, reduced job satisfaction and high employee turnover rates;
• Narcissism involves entitlement, a constant need for admiration, a lack of empathy, arrogance and hypersensitivity to criticism;
• Psychopaths display superficial charm, manipulative behaviour, a lack of remorse or empathy and impulsivity;
• Counter-intuitively, these traits often fit the conventional idea of how “leaders” behave;
• These types of leaders will take the credit while deflecting blame; and
• Narcissistic leaders prefer indirect strategies such as withholding information, while psychopaths rely on direct manipulation and bullying.