Have you ever wondered why some people seem to rise to the top of their profession while others remain stuck in the same position for years? Well, it turns out that some of the most successful people in the workplace exhibit traits that are commonly associated with psychopaths. While we’re not advocating that you become a full-blown psychopath, incorporating some of their behavior could help you succeed in your career.

1. Put Yourself First

Psychopaths are notoriously self-centered, which can actually be an advantage in the workplace. Putting your own needs and goals first can help you navigate office politics, negotiate salary raises and promotions, and generally get ahead.

2. Be Ruthless

Another trait of psychopaths is their capacity for ruthlessness. While being cutthroat might not be the most pleasant way to get ahead, sometimes it’s necessary to make tough decisions that will ultimately benefit you and your career.

3. Embrace Risk

Psychopaths are known for their love of risk-taking. While some risks might not pan out, it’s important to occasionally take a chance on something that could have a big pay off for your career.

4. Don’t Take Criticism Personally

Psychopaths are less affected by criticism than most people. This doesn’t mean that you should become completely detached from feedback, but learning to take criticism constructively and not personally can help you grow and improve in your job.

5. Stay Cool Under Pressure

One of the most valuable traits of psychopaths is their ability to stay calm and collected even under the most stressful circumstances. Learning to keep your cool in high-pressure situations can help you shine and gain the respect of your colleagues.

6. Always Look for Ways to Improve

Psychopaths are always looking for ways to improve themselves and their situation. Taking a similar approach in your own career can help you stay ahead of the game and avoid stagnation.

7. Surround Yourself with Positive People

Psychopaths tend to be opportunistic and will surround themselves with people who will help them get ahead.

You don’t need to be quite so conniving, but finding positive, supportive colleagues who will help you navigate the workplace can be a huge asset.

8. Set Clear Boundaries

Psychopaths are very good at setting boundaries and not letting others take advantage of them. Learning to do the same can help you protect your time and energy, and ensure that you’re not taken advantage of in the workplace.

9. Be Confident

Psychopaths are often very confident individuals, which can be a huge advantage in the workplace. Demonstrating confidence in your abilities and decisions can help you gain the respect and trust of your colleagues.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

Another trait that psychopaths share is their willingness to speak up and assert themselves in a situation.

While there’s a fine line between being assertive and being aggressive, it’s important to not be afraid to speak your mind in order to get what you want.

11. Be Adaptable

Psychopaths tend to be very adaptable, which can be a huge asset in a constantly changing work environment. Being open to new situations and willing to change your approach can help you succeed in the long run.

12. Stay Focused on Your Goals

Psychopaths are very goal-oriented individuals. Staying focused on your own goals, rather than getting distracted by petty office politics, can help you achieve success in your career.

13. Learn to Say No

Psychopaths are very good at saying no and protecting their own interests. Learning to say no to requests or projects that don’t align with your goals or values can help you stay on track and avoid burnout.

14. Don’t Play the Victim

Psychopaths don’t feel sorry for themselves or wallow in self-pity. Avoiding this behavior can help you maintain a positive outlook and avoid negative thinking that can undermine your career success.

15. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Psychopaths are often less emotional than other people.

While this doesn’t mean that you need to be completely detached, it’s important to keep your emotions in check in order to avoid making rash decisions or getting distracted from your goals.

16. Be Fearless

Psychopaths aren’t afraid to take risks and pursue their goals, even when others think they’re crazy. Being fearless in pursuing your own career goals can help you stand out and ultimately achieve greater success.

17. Build Strong Relationships

Psychopaths are often very good at building relationships, even if they’re not always genuine. Taking the time to cultivate strong relationships with your colleagues and superiors can help you get ahead in your career.

18. Focus on Your Strengths

Psychopaths tend to be very aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. Focusing on your strengths, rather than trying to improve your weaknesses, can help you stand out in your career and enjoy greater success.

19. Be Resourceful

Psychopaths are very resourceful individuals. Learning to think creatively and find solutions to problems can help you succeed in a variety of different scenarios.

20. Take Control of Your Career

Psychopaths are often in control of their own careers, rather than waiting for their superiors to tell them what to do. Taking control of your own career and actively pursuing your goals can help you succeed in the long run.

21. Remain Calm in Difficult Situations

Psychopaths are often able to remain calm and unflappable, even in difficult or stressful situations. Learning to stay calm and keep a level head can help you avoid making mistakes and increase your chances of success.

22. Be Competitive

Psychopaths are famously competitive individuals. While you don’t need to be quite as aggressive as a full-blown psychopath, having a competitive streak can help you stay motivated and ultimately achieve greater success.

23. Take Risks Calculatedly

Psychopaths may take risks, but they’re also very calculated in their approach. Learning to take risks that are carefully planned and thought out can help you avoid costly mistakes and achieve greater success.

24. Be Decisive

Psychopaths are decisive individuals. Learning to make decisions quickly and confidently can help you avoid getting bogged down in indecision and paralysis.

25. Learn from Failure

Psychopaths may not be known for their sensitivity, but they are adaptable and able to learn from their mistakes. Developing the ability to learn from failure can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes and ultimately achieve greater success.

26. Be Persistent

Psychopaths are known for their persistence, even in the face of setbacks and obstacles. Developing a similar level of persistence in pursuing your own career goals can help you achieve success.

27. Don’t Get Distracted by Negative Emotions

Psychopaths are often less affected by negative emotions. Learning to avoid getting bogged down by negative emotions, such as anger or jealousy, can help you maintain a positive outlook and avoid self-sabotage.

28. Build a Network of Support

Psychopaths may be ruthless, but they also tend to have a network of support. Building your own network of professional contacts and supporters can help you navigate the workplace and achieve greater success.

29. Stay Focused During Meetings

Psychopaths are known for their ability to stay focused, even during lengthy or boring meetings. Taking the time to focus during meetings can help you stand out and avoid missing important information or opportunities.

30. Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Finally, the most important trait of psychopaths is their ability to keep their eye on the prize. Remaining focused on your career goals and actively working towards them can help you achieve greater success than you ever thought possible.