I once used to work as a doctor in a public hospital that was led by a psychopathic boss an otherwise well-known physician, professor of medicine, and administrator. It took me quite a long time to realize that this guy was a human monster, one of those "snakes in suits" described by dr. Robert Hare.

He was superficial, arrogant, egocentric, and hypocrite. Completely devoid of any human feelings or conscience, he was incapable of empathy or remorse. Impatient and extravagant, he often took completely wrong decisions, harmful for his patients and his staff. He didn't care about his people or his institution; all he wanted was to boost his own ego. He didn't love stable, written rules; he would make and then break his own rules, depending on his personal moods or interests, and he changed these rules nearly every day, just as he pleased. He was involved in dirty business, in the detriment of the hospital, and he regularly accepted bribery from companies, clients, and employees.

Self-assured, he would take advice from nobody, and he truly believed he was always right, even in spite of anyone else's opinion, and against all evidence and common sense. However, he never assumed responsibility for his acts, and always blamed the others for his own mistakes. He was shrewd, deceitful, sneaky, and he enjoyed using manipulation, lies, humiliation, and terror to control people and to suit his selfish desires. By using his abilities, his money, and supported by his strong family and allies, he managed to achieve incredible power and influence in many high areas: academics, health care, politics, and business. He seized lots of titles, functions, qualifications, and awards. But many of his so-called "scientific works" were frauds: signed by himself, but actually written by his co-workers, plagiarized, faked, or mediocre.

He acted courteous to his superiors and, to those who didn't know him well enough, he may have looked quite normal. Wearing "the mask of sanity", he was able to mimic humanity in a convincing way and to impress almost anyone, at least at first sight. Many people even admired him from a distance, as a distinguished scientist and as a bold and ambitious leader. However, he never had any true friends and nobody ever loved him, no matter how badly he may have wanted to. (He had been married twice: his first wife divorced him shortly after their marriage, and his second wife hated him and was also trying desperately to leave him).

You can imagine

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Testimonies: Best and worst bosses?
We want to hear your view. Write now!