Parafox Posted 25 July 2013 Posted 25 July 2013 ©. BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22488328 Most of us will probably think of psychopaths as dangerous knife-wielding maniacs who are better off behind bars. But we've got it wrong, and contrary to our expectations, we could actually learn from psychopaths, argues Oxford University experimental psychologist Kevin Dutton. "It's true, when psychologists like myself use the word psychopath, images of killers like Ted Bundy go flashing across most people's minds," he says. "If your boss has a tendency to step on those beneath him but goes out of his way to impress those above him - it's time to move†Kevin Dutton Psychologist However, he argues that we could all benefit from sometimes being more ruthless, fearless, self-confident, focused, mentally tough, charming or charismatic - all of which are traits of a psychopath. None of these is a problem in itself, he says, the danger comes when "all these traits are turned up too high, and that's when you start getting individuals who are dysfunctional". "I am not glamorising violent criminal psychopaths," Prof Dutton points out, "because these guys completely devastate other people's lives." In his new book, The Wisdom of Psychopaths, he says that adopting certain psychopathic characteristics can help us improve our own performance in the workplace. Psychopaths tend not to procrastinate or take things personally, "and they don't beat themselves up when things go wrong", he says. "If you're putting in for a rise, you might feel a little anxious about doing that - what would happen if I don't get it, what would my boss think about me? "Well, just have the courage of your convictions and go for it. Don't focus on the negatives, focus on the positives. "By doing that it makes you more confident, and more likely to get what you want in the first place." Even a lack of empathy with others - common among psychopaths - can be useful in certain jobs. "Imagine you've the skill set to be a great surgeon - but can't dissociate yourself emotionally from the person you're operating on," says Prof Dutton. "One surgeon told me that as soon as you start thinking of that person as someone's wife or husband, you're beginning to walk an emotional tightrope. "That's where dissociating yourself from people can predispose you to success." People with these kinds of characteristics are often suited to any number of high profile roles, he argues - such as chief executives, lawyers or even journalists. Politicians too, can often exhibit certain psychopathic traits. "Successful politicians need to be remorseless at implementing policies in the face of opposition," says Prof Dutton. "If you think of it, the most successful politician is someone who says what most people are thinking. "They are brilliant at slipping into people's air space, they are psychopathic cat burglars"
Carl the Llama Posted 25 July 2013 Posted 25 July 2013 So basically, you need to be better at being a dick if you want to succeed? Moosey must be the richest man on the forum.
Parafox Posted 25 July 2013 Author Posted 25 July 2013 So basically, you need to be better at being a dick if you want to succeed? Moosey must be the richest man on the forum.
Kitchandro Posted 25 July 2013 Posted 25 July 2013 So basically, you need to be better at being a dick if you want to succeed? Moosey must be the richest man on the forum. TBF I thought that was common knowledge anyway. Most of the more successful and powerful people are w*nkers. People say Mourinho is a psycopath.
ADK Posted 25 July 2013 Posted 25 July 2013 We do seem to have a society that glamorises psychopaths.
Rincewind Posted 25 July 2013 Posted 25 July 2013 There is a program tonight with Dara O'Brian where he tests the tendancies of the audience. There was an interesting programme on Newsnight last night about mental illness (see what I am watching)
Webbo Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 Are you a psychopath? Take the test. http://www.channel4.com/programmes/psychopath-night It's the bit under the skull.
Webbo Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 42% Though your conscience is in the right place you also have a pragmatic streak and generally aren’t afraid to do your own dirty work! You’re no shrinking violet - but no daredevil either. You generally have little trouble seeing things from another person’s perspective but, at the same time, are no pushover. ‘Everything in moderation – including moderation’ might sum up your approach to life
The God Emperor Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 42% Though your conscience is in the right place you also have a pragmatic streak and generally aren’t afraid to do your own dirty work! You’re no shrinking violet - but no daredevil either. You generally have little trouble seeing things from another person’s perspective but, at the same time, are no pushover. ‘Everything in moderation – including moderation’ might sum up your approach to life same description as me but i got 45%
bovril Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 35% - and I'm definitely not likely to make CEO anytime soon.
purpleronnie Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 15% You are warm and empathic with a heightened awareness of social responsibility and a strong sense of conscience. You like to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of a situation before you act and are generally averse to taking risks. You are very much a ‘people person’ and dislike conflict. ‘Do unto others…’ are your watchwords. But, although you avoid hurting others, those residing at the higher end of the psychopathic spectrum might not be as considerate, so stay vigilant to avoid being hurt unnecessarily. :xmaslaugh:
Strokes Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 Are you a psychopath? Take the test. http://www.channel4.com/programmes/psychopath-night It's the bit under the skull. 79% not entirely suprised by that.
purpleronnie Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 79% not entirely suprised by that. A psychopath would be.
Strokes Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 A psychopath would be.I just knew my lack of empathy would count against me, I'm not claiming to be a psychopath.
purpleronnie Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 I just knew my lack of empathy would count against me, I'm not claiming to be a psycopath. neither would a psychopath.
Lamby Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 64%, I feel some of this will come in use at work tonight.
sphericalfox Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 If you were a psychopath, surely answering the questions they way you expect them to show you are not a psychopath would be your intention?
purpleronnie Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 If you were a psychopath, surely answering the questions they way you expect them to show you are not a psychopath would be your intention? Spoken like a true Psychopath.
Webbo Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 Spoken like a true Psychopath. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? :xmasunsure:
purpleronnie Posted 14 December 2013 Posted 14 December 2013 Are you thinking what I'm thinking? :xmasunsure: I'm scared.
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