
Dark Psychology at Work: How Manipulation Hides in Plain Sight | Throwback Episode
From The Dirty Side of Leadership by Ron Ward & Kristin Sokoloff
April 2, 2026 · 35 min
About this episode
In this throwback episode, Ron and Kristin discuss how manipulation manifests in workplaces and how leaders can identify it.
Send us Fan Mail In this special throwback episode, Ron and Kristin expose how manipulation operates in everyday workplaces — from charm tactics to control games — and how leaders can spot the warning signs. Highlights: The Dark Triad at work: narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy.How confidence can blur into control.Creating psychological safety to shut down manipulation.The power of self-awareness — knowing your own shadow.Dirty Lesson: The most dangerous manipulator isn’t in the boardr...
People in this episode
Hosts: Ron Ward, Kristin Sokoloff
Topics covered
- manipulation in the workplace
- leadership
- psychological safety
- self-awareness
- Dark Triad
Keywords
- manipulation
- leadership
- psychological safety
- Dark Triad
- self-awareness
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Dark Psychology at Work
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