A psychopath is usually a charming, subtle manipulator. They do this by playing to the emotions of others. They typically have high verbal intelligence, but they lack what is commonly referred to as "emotional intelligence". They don't learn from these consequences and seem to react with feelings and regret when they are caught. But their regret is not so much for other people as it is for the consequences that their behaviour has had on them, their freedom, their resources and their so called "friends." Often sexually promiscuous with difficulty in engaging within long term emotional relationships. A psychopath engages in relationships for self-gain or self-gratification even when it seems like they are caring for and helping others.

More often than not, the typical psychopath will seem particularly agreeable and make a distinctly positive impression when he is first encountered. Alert and friendly in his attitude, he is easy to talk with and seems to have a good many genuine interests. There is nothing at all odd or queer about him, and in every respect he tends to embody the concept of a well-adjusted, happy person. Nor does he, on the other hand, seem to be artificially exerting himself like one who is covering up or who wants to sell you a bill of goods. He would seldom be confused with the professional backslapper or someone who is trying to ingratiate himself for a concealed purpose.He looks like the real thing.

Very often indications of good sense and sound reasoning will emerge, and one is likely to feel soon after meeting him that this normal and pleasant person is also one with -high abilities. Psychometric tests also very frequently show him of superior intelligence. More than the average person, he is likely to seem free from social or emotional impediments, from the minor distortions, peculiarities, and awkwardness...." Although they may tell stories that should be unbelievable, they have a knack for doing so in a way that causes intelligent people to believe them. However, some may peg them as overly slick or insincere, alerted by the psychopath’s use of excessive flattery to manipulate people.

Signs of psychopathic behaviour within a working environment

Babiak and Hare argue that psychopaths in a working environment follow a predictable script that involves pawns, patrons and patsies (people who can be manipulated easily). Psychopaths recruit pawns such as lower-ranking employees or peers, whom they can manipulate. The manipulation can involve doing the psychopath’s work or it can involve inducing a peer to engage in conflict with another employee. Much like Max von Sydow’s Leland Gaunt in the Stephen King film, Needful Things, psychopaths may tell one colleague one thing and a second colleague another, setting each against the other.

Patrons are higher-level managers whom the psychopath wins over, convincing them that he, the psychopath, is ethical, enthusiastic, creative and hardworking. The patsies are former pawns and patrons whom the psychopath may have betrayed before to test gullibility. Frequently, psychopaths are expert at grasping others’ psychological needs and weaknesses. This psychological competence enables the psychopath to engage in manipulation in which they take pleasure. Because the psychopath seems charming to higher ups and to many co-workers, he can undermine accusations that begin to develop.
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