Dark Psychology at Work: How Manipulation Hides in Plain Sight | Episode 138

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 boardroom — it’s the one in your blind spot.

4Ward Reflection:
Leadership isn’t about avoiding darkness; it’s about mastering awareness — in others and yourself.

Sources:

Paulhus & Williams (2002), Journal of Research in Personality — The Dark Triad.
Harvard Business Review (2018), The Toxic Handler: Organizational Hero — and Casualty.
Amy Edmondson, The Fearless Organization (2019) — Psychological Safety in the Workplace.
Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop

Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com