Some People are Just Crazy!
May 27, 2025
Entrepreneur & Author
“Some are harmless, some are not.”
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Some people are just crazy. I am not talking about mental illness or those that might suffer from a medical condition. I am specifically targeting two groups of people within this brief discussion, the first are harmlessly irrational and then the much more sophisticated whom you need to be aware of in daily operations of business and life.
It’s often said that the problem with crazy people is that they don’t know they are nuts.
Well, throughout my career I have encountered many interesting characters who fell under this definition and were completely harmless – other than they would waste your time. There are the “movers and shakers” who are totally convinced that the next deal is real, and it will make them a billionaire. They will frequently ask for all your information and time; sign purchase agreements, falsify proof of funds and may even go as far to forge wire transfers to save face when their deal inevitably falls through. Of course, money is never transferred, and the deal never gets done. Then there are the “storytellers” who seem to layer one fabrication upon another for the sheer joy of telling you how great they are. Many years ago, I once had a seemingly articulate woman in the middle of a business discussion described how she had cured smallpox and had twice found herself in a cannibal’s pot being roasted. I guess once wasn’t enough.
Again, these individuals are just harmless wastes of time.
There is, however, another group. They play by a different set of rules than you and me. Basically, because in their world there are no limits or guidelines, which is one reason they are dangerous. While they know they are different at the same time they think of themselves as smarter than the rest of us.
Their real advantage is that good people simply do not think in their terms.
Estimates indicate that about 0.6% to 3.6% of adults in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), the clinical term frequently linked with sociopathy.
This translates to roughly 2 to 12 million individuals nationwide which is a big number!
In business, you might encounter a sociopath in a high-stakes or competitive environment where charm, manipulation, and risk-taking can be used to climb the ladder or close deals. Such individuals often appear confident, persuasive, and charismatic traits that can mask their lack of empathy, ethical boundaries, and genuine concern for others. They may exploit colleagues, bend rules, or sabotage competitors without remorse, often justifying their actions as necessary for success. Sociopaths can be found in leadership roles, sales, negotiations, or any area where power and influence are rewarded, making it crucial to recognize red flags like chronic dishonesty, impulsivity, and a pattern of exploiting trust.
Now depending upon the lens that you view life through specific individuals might come to mind. My suggestion would be not to rush to judgement.
It may be, nevertheless, beneficial to use “street smarts” and be able to tell when someone is harmless and when someone isn’t a person to turn your back on.
Using your street smarts to avoid sociopaths in business means trusting your instincts, staying alert to red flags, and not letting charisma cloud your judgment. If someone consistently bends the truth, avoids accountability, or seems too good to be true, take a step back and investigate further. Watch how they treat people when there’s nothing to gain—true character shows when no one is watching. Protect yourself by keeping boundaries clear, putting agreements in writing, and not revealing sensitive information too quickly. Street smarts aren’t about paranoia, they’re about staying sharp, reading people, and not ignoring the signs that someone’s playing a different game.
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