When Psychopaths Go to Work: Snakes in Suits

Book Summary & Reflection: “Snakes in Suits – When Psychopaths Go to Work” by Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare

While reading Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work, penned by organizational psychologist Dr. Paul Babiak and eminent criminal psychologist Dr. Robert Hare, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own corporate journey. Thankfully, I’ve had the privilege of working with some remarkable leaders—empathetic, empowering, and inspiring. But then… like flickering ghosts in a rearview mirror, a few familiar faces reappeared—faces that could have walked straight out of the pages of this book. Faces of corporate “snakes,” charming on the surface, but venomous underneath.

This seminal book takes a deep dive into a chilling but under-discussed reality: the presence and influence of corporate psychopaths. These are not the knife-wielding Hollywood villains, but the ones who weaponize charm, manipulate organizational systems, and wreak havoc on culture and morale, often while wearing tailored suits and drawing fat bonuses.

Who Are These “Snakes”?

Babiak and Hare reveal how corporate psychopaths thrive in complex organizational structures. Armed with superficial charm, exaggerated confidence, and zero empathy, they scale corporate ladders swiftly, often disguising their true intent behind polished manners and strategic alliances. They’re often seen as high performers—until the damage begins to show.

They are:

Charismatic manipulators who know how to say the right things at the right time.
Masters of impression management, thriving in ambiguity.
Devoid of remorse, empathy, or genuine connection.
Experts at playing politics, gaslighting others, and turning teams against each other.

Seen These Traits Before?

Let’s admit it—most of us in corporate life have encountered such personalities. I’ve seen leaders who:

Smiled during appraisals but sabotaged growth behind the scenes.
Pretended to be mentors while collecting ammunition for blame games.
Played one department against another to keep control.
Built “Yes Sir” clubs to silence dissenting voices and honest feedback.

One such “snake” I worked with was from the HR fraternity (yes, ironic, isn't it?). He ticked off nearly every trait in the psychopathy checklist. Zero empathy. Insecurity masked as aggression. A compulsive need to dominate discussions, bulldoze decisions, and punish those who didn’t fall in line. A classic case of a “new broom sweeping clean”—except it swept away culture, collaboration, and calmness. Not surprisingly, the department turned into a war zone of cliques, gossip, and fear. HR, in this case, wasn’t the protector of people—it was the problem.

Another example: a business leader whose insecurity was so intense that he ensured every rising talent was clipped, unless they posed no threat to his status. No surprise that innovation died under his watch, but his PowerPoint decks told a different story to the Board—until the house of cards eventually crumbled.

Spotting the Snakes: Traits to Watch

Some of the classic traits outlined in the book (and witnessed in real life) include:

Lack of Empathy: Zero concern for employee well-being. Terminations without explanation. Feedback laced with humiliation.
Grandiosity: “I built this team.” “This company runs because of me.” Narcissism wrapped in a suit.
Superficial Charm: Great at client dinners and town halls—but your resignation email is answered with, “Best of luck.”
No Remorse: They will deny, deflect, and downplay even when confronted with proof.
Impulsivity: Knee-jerk decisions. Strategy today, chaos tomorrow.

Sound familiar? Many might nod quietly—some nervously—while reading this.

What Can Organizations Do?

The authors are clear: prevention is better than cure. Once entrenched, a corporate psychopath can be difficult to remove without causing organizational trauma. But thankfully, there are ways to inoculate your workplace against such individuals:

Thorough Screening at Entry
- Background checks that go beyond the resume.
- Behavioural interviews designed to test empathy, integrity, and collaboration—not just ambition and achievement.
- Psychometric tools (administered responsibly) to uncover dark triad traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
Build Robust Cultures, Not Kingdoms
- A strong, values-driven culture resists manipulation.
- Set clear codes of conduct with zero tolerance for bullying and gaslighting.
- Conduct 360° reviews that include feedback from peers and subordinates.
Safe Channels for Whistleblowing
- Employees must feel protected and heard when they raise concerns.
- Anonymous grievance redressal systems, ombudsperson roles, and transparent inquiry processes are a must.
Performance Metrics That Include Behaviour
- Evaluate leaders not just on business results, but on how they achieve them.
- Promote those who grow people—not just profits.

A Word of Caution—and Hope

It’s important to note: not every difficult boss is a psychopath. Some are just poor managers, some are insecure, some are under pressure. The difference lies in intent, consistency, and the capacity for reflection or change. A bad day doesn’t make a villain. But if every day is bad, and only for others—then we may need to investigate deeper.

And what if the HR Head or top management is the snake? Then my only advice is: run faster than the snake can slither! Self-preservation is not disloyalty—it’s wisdom.

Final Thoughts

Snakes in Suits is not just a book; it's a mirror to the darker alleys of corporate corridors. It forces us to rethink what we reward, whom we promote, and how we define leadership. For those of us in leadership roles—especially in HR—it serves as a guide, a warning, and a call to action.

If you’ve ever felt that something was “off” with a boss or peer—this book will validate your gut feeling. And if you’ve been lucky never to meet such a person—read this before your luck runs out.

A must-read. A must-discuss. And perhaps, a must-revisit—every time a ‘snake’ slithers in.

Capt. Rahul Sharma
Executive Coach | CHRO | Psychometrician | Culture Evangelist
(And a firm believer that suits should come with a warning label—"Contents May Be Toxic")

Search This Blog

Captain’s Thoughts