“In the real working world, however, executives who display psychopathic tendencies are often charismatic charmers on first meeting, emoting confidence that is rooted in deception, psychologists say.

They lie without remorse, steal credit for accomplishments and are adroit at transferring blame for their mistakes, psychologists said. Psychopaths are more likely to have shallow, short-term sexual relationships — often in the workplace — and are easily bored. They are prone to take risks without concern for the ramifications.

Psychopaths are drawn to powerful people and positions. “They like to play head games with people and make good money at it,” said Babiak, who coaches executives on dealing with psychotic colleagues — and most of his clients are in the financial services industry. “They’re not stupid. They can decode what’s expected of them and play the part.”

“They are cunning and manipulative, and great at engineering situations. Although they don’t have emotions themselves, they can create emotional situations,” Boddy said. “The rest of us don’t even realize we’re being manipulated until it’s too late.”

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/19/business/psychopath-boss/index.html?iphoneemail