The Dark Triad Personality Traits

"Since narcissism is fueled by a greater need to be admired than to be liked, psychologists might use that fact as a therapeutic lever - stressing to patients that being known as a narcissist will actually cause them to lose the respect and social status they crave." ~ Jeffrey Kluger

"Exploitation and manipulation produce boredom and triviality; they cripple man, and all factors that make man into a psychic cripple turn him also into a sadist or a destroyer." ~ Erich Fromm

"Psychopaths are social predators, and like all predators, they are looking for feeding grounds. Wherever you get power, prestige and money, you will find them." ~ Robert D. Hare

Just imagine trying to negotiate a way for yourself through a loudly active party room full of strangers whose sly intelligence was so well masked, flashing their bright and pleasant smiles, razor-sharp words at every turn.

Of those, some possess the three traits that can build them into a master manipulator, an egotistical performer, and an amoral opportunist. Like everyone else, they have flaws, but the individuals who show strong traits of the dark triad-narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy-entail a web of actions that upends relationships, workplace environments, and even complete communities, societies, and countries.

These individuals have a grandiose mask projecting confidence and importance of him or herself. The narcissist is drawing the others into his/her charming spell by confident behavior while asking for attention. But beneath the mask, there is insecurity-a strong feeling to validate their worth through admiration. They cannot help but view the world as a stage with themselves starring in the center of it. Their focus is so firmly fixed on their own needs and desires that rarely do they notice the feelings of others. They will listen to your difficulties, struggles, and issues only to circle the conversation right back to themselves-no emphatic action, these people only talk about it.

Another dark corner of these individuals' personalities, subtle, cunning, calculated, speaking in calm tranquil tones, masks the evil that lies in wait. The Machiavellian trait for power is not handed over; it has to be taken by manipulation and deceit.

They are chess players-ones who always move with thinking of the next, next step, even lying or betraying if their plans are to move forward. Smart through charm, their plots and plans often come forth only when the damage is done. You may sometimes feel like a pawn in their games, like tools for their benefit. These types really do not care much for collateral damage as long as the prize is theirs.

The psychopathic trait greets you with a warm smile, flashing the magnetic charm that puts one instantly at ease. However, immediacy masks the empty vessel-the lack of empathy-that enables him or her to act without remorse. For them, rules and morals mean nothing. They bind themselves only with their needs and wants. This makes them impulsive in many reckless ways, often taking risks others would not think of running. They will not feel any guilt or regret. They go through life with a sort of unnerving freedom, not being weighed down by the emotional aftermath of their actions.

Standing in this party room, you start to see how these traits are interwoven within specific individuals that need admiration, always scheming, and they are emotionally detached.

The Dark Triad refers to those who dominate and destabilize the settings in which they exist. They value their success above everything, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake. These characteristics coexist within certain individuals to varying degrees, converging to give birth to a personality which is an uphill task to confront, let alone get rid of.

Learning to recognize these Dark Triad traits in others will help you protect your boundaries, anticipate their moves, and outmaneuver them.

The dark triad reminds us that human nature is complex, and while some people may not be beyond rehabilitation, neither are they immune to change. Yet, when such traits go unchecked, there is damage that ripples out into whole groups and systems.

Know how their personality patterns work, and find your way through the trouble they give with wisdom and care.