The Six Phases of the
Female Organisational Psychopath
From Charm to Chaos
The Female Organisational Psychopath is clever and alluring.
She arrives under a halo of potential and grandeur.
Yet the gift of her talents proves short-lived, as the office descends into chaos.
Get to know the Phases
1 - The False Narrative
The job application stage lets the Female Psychopath make a good first impression. They do this through a strong employment application and phone calls to the employer, helping them charm and build a connection, planting the “seed of suitability.” Visually, they look perfect, but their employment application isn’t entirely truthful.
2 - The Debut Performance
She lures the employment selection committee with a false narrative; therefore, she has been chosen for an interview (‘interview’ stage). She has researched the panel members, allowing them to highlight details that impress the selection team. She grasps the organisation's needs and what they want from the role. This confident front often remains after she has secured the position.
3 - The Trojan Horse
She accepts the position with the organisation, arriving confidently, articulating her aspirations for her role and the organisation. This is known as the ‘settling in’ stage. Most employees appreciate her, management sees her potential, and she integrates well into the team. However, like the Trojan Horse concealing an army of soldiers to attack the city of Troy, she conceals her true intentions behind her smile.
4 - Jekyll and Hyde
Over time, she begins to show her true colours, no longer fully concealed behind a smile. She has embedded herself in the organisation and learnt who to stay close to. Some of her behaviour seems out of character. To some, she is kind, to others, nasty. Not everyone sees her toxic behaviour; those who are easy targets or in her way see her true psychopathic self.
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5 - Fight or Flight
During the fight-or-flight response, bullying complaints surface, staff are unhappy, and management is unsure how to respond. Some employees take extended sick leave, look for new jobs, or act out in frustration. A decision is needed: stay and confront the psychopath or leave. Doing nothing risks being targeted.
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6 - The Bad Apple
“One bad apple can ruin the whole barrel,” and this applies to organisations that keep psychopaths longer than they should. Poor behaviour spreads through imitation and frustration. In this phase, the Female Psychopath's toxic behaviour is no longer hidden. When bad behaviour becomes visible, organisations must decide whether to discipline the psychopath or let the culture deteriorate.
