Interview

Martha Stout, author of The Sociopath Next Door, explains how to recognize a sociopath, outlines her thirteen rules for dealing with sociopaths in everyday life, and gives specific advice for dealing with them in the workplace.

How do you spot a sociopath?
A sociopath has no conscience, no ability to feel shame, guilt or remorse. Since 1 in 25 ordinary Americans is a sociopath, you almost certainly know one or more than one already. How can you recognize him or her?

• Sociopaths learn early on to show sham emotion, but underneath they live only to dominate others and win.
• They have a kind of glow or charisma that makes them more charming or interesting than the other people around them. They are more spontaneous, more intense, complex, or even sexier than everyone else.
• They crave stimulation and excitement, often showing brief intense enthusiasms that they later drop.
• They are seductive, encouraging others to take risks.
• They will tell you that you are just like them. Don't believe it.
  

Who is the devil you know?

• Could it be your lying, cheating ex-husband?
• Your sadistic high school gym teacher?
• Your boss who loves to humiliate people in meetings?
  
  
• Sometimes you just know 'em when you see 'em….
  
• Historical sociopaths: Hitler, Stalin, Rasputin, Eichmann, Pol Pot, John Gotti

Thirteen Rules for Dealing with Sociopaths in Everyday Life

1. The first ...