Expert Reveals How to Spot 'Dark' Personality Traits in Bosses

Psychologist shares insight into identifying narcissistic, Machiavellian, and psychopathic leaders

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A Spanish psychologist has published research outlining the key signs that a boss may exhibit 'dark' personality traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The expert advises that leaders with these characteristics often appear insensitive, manipulative, demanding, and arrogant in their interactions with employees.

Why it matters

Identifying 'dark' personality traits in managers is important, as previous studies have linked these characteristics to abusive supervision and mistreatment of subordinates. Understanding how to spot these red flags can help employees protect themselves from potentially unethical or harmful behavior from their bosses.

The details

According to the research by Professor Elena Fernández-del-Río of the University of Zaragoza, bosses with narcissistic traits tend to display arrogance, excessive self-love, and grandiosity. Those with Machiavellianism are often highly competitive and strategic manipulators. Sadists, meanwhile, are individuals who enjoy inflicting cruelty on others and exerting control.

  • The research was published in February 2026 in the International Encyclopedia of Business Management.

The players

Professor Elena Fernández-del-Río

A psychologist from the University of Zaragoza in Spain who authored the research on identifying 'dark' personality traits in leaders.

Paul Babiak

A New York psychologist whose previous study found that one in 25 business leaders could be psychopaths.

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What they’re saying

“The 'dark side' of human personality, as a whole, refers to a disposition to ethically, morally and socially questionable behaviors.”

— Professor Elena Fernández-del-Río, Psychologist (International Encyclopedia of Business Management)

“Some studies have confirmed the relationship between dark personality and abusive practices by supervisors, especially when they possess Machiavellian or psychopathic traits.”

— Professor Elena Fernández-del-Río, Psychologist (International Encyclopedia of Business Management)

What’s next

The research suggests that potential victims of abusive behavior from bosses with 'dark' personality traits should be encouraged to report any workplace misconduct while maintaining anonymity to avoid potential retaliation.

The takeaway

This study provides valuable insights for employees on how to identify problematic personality traits in their managers, which is an important step in protecting oneself from unethical or harmful treatment in the workplace.