How can CEOs and board members manage dark triad personality traits?

by | 13 May 2022 | Executive boards, Leadership

“We need someone charismatic to lead and inspire us through the next 3 years, times are going to be tough, and we need to bring people with us.” 

We hear this in many boardrooms when the CEO succession conversation takes place. But the traits so eloquently described in the CEO job description; charismatic, charming, focused, confident, and influential can to the untrained eye be actually ruthlessness, manipulation, and lacking in empathy. These traits often reveal a narcissistic, machiavellian, and psychopathic personality that together are characterised as the ‘dark triad’.

Read Karen Thomas-Bland’s article in CEO Today Magazine on how boards can spot and deal with leaders with the dark triad.

Read this board article here.

Based in London and with over 24 years’ global experience, Karen Thomas-Bland is often cited as one of the top business transformation consultants and coaches in the world. She is a trusted advisor to boards, executive teams and investors, creating sustainable, long-term value for FTSE/Fortune businesses and PE funds. She writes for many publications including The Times, FT, Association of MBAs and Management Today.