Surrounded by Psychopaths

September 1, 2020
A guidebook for deflecting psychological manipulators. In Surrounded by Idiots (2019), communication expert Erikson assessed (and color-coded) the most popular types of personalities. Here, the author uses a similar narrative structure and focuses on tactics to help readers avoid "play[ing] into the hands of an evil-minded psychopath." As he shows, honing one's recognition of these personalities is especially important because they exist in such a wide variety of settings, from ordinary, daily situations to corporate boardrooms and government offices. To some, the moniker "psychopath" may seem harsh, but Erikson is consistent in his warning that the term is fitting and that they are determined to exploit another's weaknesses to exact harm. His text reintegrates the four-color personality model from his previous book, and Erikson educates readers on key psychopathic characteristics (superficiality, remorselessness, cunning, etc.), basic defense mechanisms against them, and how to recognize them (partners, co-workers, superiors) and diffuse deviant behavioral patterns. The author shows how to see through the deceptive fog of dangerously controlling behaviors and provides methods to rid one's life of those whose intent is to "drag many people down with them." Throughout, Erikson uses reality-based scenarios as examples, allowing readers to properly arm themselves against manipulative tactics by acknowledging the systematic series of common controlling techniques employed by psychopathic personalities--e.g., obfuscation or gaslighting. He also examines this conundrum through the perspective of the observer (the victim) to promote analysis of certain enabling behaviors that may make them attractive bait for hostile manipulators. Ultimately, the author settles on one key countermeasure on which to focus: self-awareness. While some readers may find that the narrative is alarmist, those fascinated by multifaceted behavior will heed Erikson's warning about diabolically manipulative people and their presence in every corner of contemporary society. Bluntly cautionary and applicable advice on the importance of vigilance.

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September 14, 2020
Leadership coach Erikson (Surrounded by Idiots) devotes this unsettling and occasionally odd book to putting readers on their guard against the manipulative psychopaths “walking around among us just like everybody else.” There are a lot of these “predators in human form,” according to Erikson, perhaps “between 2 and 4 percent of the population.” Warning that “after you read this book, you might find it difficult to sleep at night,” Erikson clearly aims to titillate as well as educate, and the former aim tends to undercut the seriousness of the enterprise, as do the plentiful, and self-serving, references to his previous book. Nonetheless, he does provide plenty of supporting research he’s conducted into his subject, particularly the 20 key items on the psychopathy checklist, including “glib and superficial charm,” “callousness and lack of empathy,” and a “grandiose (exaggeratedly high) estimation of self.” The book also adds the topical note that there are undoubtedly a “large number of psychopaths in very high positions in the governments of many countries.” Some readers may be, as Erikson hopes, both entertained and enlightened, but more will be left unsure what to make of this.

October 1, 2020
Psychopaths are everywhere; however, it is possible to avoid succumbing to their manipulative and life-altering exploits. In his follow-up to Surrounded by Idiots (2019), Erikson's goal is to arm readers with the knowledge and skills needed to avoid psychopaths. The book begins by dissecting basic human behaviors using the DISA (Dominant, Inspiring, Stable, Analytical) behavior system. Erikson then shows how psychopaths interact with or manipulate and dominate each type. He includes anecdotes on and personal accounts of how one may be influenced by psychopaths to do things like invest money, change jobs, and cook dinner even if it's not your turn. The book includes a checklist of psychopathic characteristics, such as glib and superficial charm, irresponsibility and impulsiveness, and a brief explanation of each trait. This easy-to-read guide will calm fears by arming readers with practical tactics for thwarting a psychopath's strategies. Adults in the workplace and at home would benefit from Erikson's advice on how to recognize and understand different behaviors, as well as how to recognize red flags in all types of relationships.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)