While exploring the topic of personality traits and the dark triad, I found myself wondering whether a specific combination of these traits are more beneficial for one’s overall success. While scouring the web for some information online, I stumbled across an article which paints a different perspective on Machiavellianism. The author of the article claims that, in his research between millionaires and middle class citizens, millionaire’s posses more knowledge of Machiavellian behavior and that they “play to win”. In another study on German businesses, the results claimed that “narcissism was positively linked to salary, while Machiavellianism was positively linked to leadership level and career satisfaction”.

Whether or not these studies are accurate, it made me think further about the dark triad of personalities. In the class textbook, the dark triad was deemed “negative” and “undesirable”. However, if these traits can enable one to success, such as the studies claim, then are they really undesirable for the individual? After all, between the two presidential candidates of the world’s most influential country this year, many people regard one as a narcissist, while the other, a Machiavellian.

I recall my Psych 102 class with Professor D.Paulhus, where he researched the possibility of a “successful psychopath”. He explored the idea that, an adequate amount the dark triad of behavior can bring one to success. As long as the levels of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy was not severely high, one can enjoy the beneficial factors (such as leadership, confidence, career advancements) without facing the consequences (not being liked by others, counterproductiveness).

In my opinion, I believe that some degree of the dark triad of personalities should be needed in order to advance in a competitive setting. I believe that some of these traits can enable one to realize more opportunities as well as the decisiveness to pursue it. Therefore, the dark triad should not be perceived as completely undesirable.  However, I also think that these traits should not be sought after, especially compared to other traits that are better for a team environment. Employers should definitely look for traits such as agreeableness, emotional stability, etc. so that the workplace can operate well under one leader, of whom may be more indulged in the dark triad.

Why Bad Guys Win at Work

https://hbr.org/2015/11/why-bad-guys-win-at-work

Are You Machiavellian? Here’s How (and Why) to Find Out

http://www.inc.com/lewis-schiff/leadership-strategy-are-you-machiavellian-find-out.html

Langton, N. | Robbins, S. P. | Judge, T. A. (n.d.). Organizational Behaviour (7th Canadian Edition) [Texidium version]. Retrieved from http://texidium.com