Functioning Sociopaths & Psychopaths in the Business World
Topic:
In this seminar, we will explore the idea of “functioning sociopaths and psychopaths” in the business world, how the concept manifests in different leaders, society’s seeming fascination with them. There is a lot of discussion content in this topic, so in an effort to scope the conversation, attempt let’s try to stay focused on people in the business world (ignoring entertainment, politics, etc.).
Readings:
What Is a High-Functioning Sociopath? by Kimberly Holland
13 Essential Skills And Traits Of Successful Business Owners by Expert Panel, Forbes Coaches Council
The Psychopathic CEO by Jack McCullough
The ‘dark traits’ of sociopathic leaders by Chad Perry
OPTIONAL: 26 Interesting Stories About Successful Entrepreneurs by Katrina Aaslaid
OPTIONAL: 1 in 5 business leaders may have psychopathic tendencies—here’s why, according to a psychology professor by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Discussion Questions:
What're the crossovers between characteristics of a functioning sociopath and characteristics of successful business leaders? How do we judge CEO success?
What does it take to reach the upper echelons of “business fame”? Do you have to exhibit these sociopathic behaviors?
Why is society so obsessed with some of these business leaders to the point that we've created many movies/shows about them?
Who do you want to be as a leader? If you are a board member with a CEO/founder like Musk, Jobs, or Elizabeth Holmes who is (seemingly) performing well for the business but has questionable behavior, what do you do?
Do we truly want to be leaders of successful businesses? Or do we want to be famous?
