02/11/2025
Practical Lessons from the Book "Office Politics" by Oliver James
Lesson 3: MANY PEOPLE ARE TRIADIC.
Here’s why some co-workers are harder to deal with — they wear more than one mask.
You’ve probably met someone at work who’s not just manipulative… or just arrogant… or just heartless — they’re all three at once. One moment, they’re charming and confident; the next, they’re scheming behind your back or completely lacking empathy when you need help.
Oliver James calls these people “triadic” — a mix of the Dark Triad personalities:
A bit of the psychopath (no guilt or empathy),
A dose of the Machiavellian (calculating and strategic), and
A hint of the narcissist (craving admiration and control).
That’s what makes them so dangerous — and confusing. You can’t easily predict them because their behavior shifts depending on what benefits them most. One day they’re the supportive teammate, the next they’re spreading rumors or taking credit for your work.
If you’ve ever felt drained after talking to someone at work, or constantly on guard because you don’t know what version of them you’ll get — that’s a triadic personality in action.
🧠 The key? Stop expecting consistency from them. Instead, observe, document, and stay emotionally detached. Don’t play their game — understand it. Once you see through their tactics, you’ll protect your sanity and maintain control of your professional narrative.