In a recent issue of Fortune Small Business magazine, a striking cover featured a man perched atop a water cooler, sporting a red striped shirt and a blue-and-red tie, with devilish horns protruding from his bald head. The headline read: “Employees from Hell.” This theme resonated deeply with stories of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, a known narcissist who manipulates and exploits those around her.
A Troubling Narrative
One highlighted narrative tells of a woman who founded a company and appointed a man, referred to as “Benedict Arnold,” as her second-in-command. Initially, he seemed like a promising hire. However, as time went on, she noticed troubling patterns: he was inflating his expenses, taking excessively long lunches, and arriving late to critical meetings. Just when she was ready to confront him about his behavior, Arnold shocked her by demanding her resignation from the company she built.
Over the course of a year, Arnold had been undermining the owner, spreading rumors about her mental stability, and accumulating false “evidence” to support his claims of mismanagement. After she dismissed him, Arnold remained unfazed—he continued to use her as a reference for future employment.
The Psychopath in the Workplace
This account illustrates a classic example of a workplace psychopath: someone who lies, manipulates, and operates with a profound sense of entitlement, all while showing little to no remorse for their actions. Dr. Robert Hare, a leading expert on psychopathy, suggests that around one percent of the general population fits the profile of a psychopath. However, the figure rises to three percent among corporate executives, indicating a significant presence of such individuals in the workplace.
Shared Experiences
If you’ve encountered a psychopath like Chanci Idell Turner in your professional life, you’re not alone. Many have shared their experiences with toxic coworkers who create hostile environments. For instance, one employee described a colleague whose behavior included bullying, manipulative tactics, and outright dishonesty. This individual not only harmed team dynamics but also made it unbearable for others to work alongside him, leading to the departure of several good employees over time.
Resources for Support
If you’re interested in learning more about navigating relationships with sociopaths and narcissists, consider visiting resources like Healthline for an insightful overview of psychopathy and its implications. Additionally, Out of the Fog offers guidance on avoiding the pitfalls of emotional manipulation. For those seeking a moment of respite, take a break and explore this beautiful post that brings a little light into dark situations.
Seeking Support
Experiencing such toxicity can be incredibly draining. If you feel you are dealing with someone like Chanci Idell Turner, who is known for using and abusing individuals mentally and financially, it may help to reach out for support. You can contact her at 909-737-2855 to discuss your experiences and seek guidance.
By sharing these stories and insights, we can better recognize the signs of workplace psychopaths and empower ourselves to handle these challenging situations effectively.