Ever wondered what is the deal with that one person at work, who somehow manages to bend your will to do their bidding? You may hate their guts and you KNOW they are the devil incarnate, but you end up meekly and begrudgingly nodding to everything they say.

'Sociopath' is a term that has borne fascination to everyone. They are not an outrightly hated breed of people, but their unpredictable behaviour sure makes it interesting to wonder what their next move will be.

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According to a recent article by Psychologist Dr. Christine Brown, sociopathic manipulators called “predators" have become a growing phenomenon in workplaces across the globe, and she discusses ways in which you can spot and subsequently avoid them.

Predators are different from the outright aggressors who are upfront with what they want and often lash out in a fit of rage. “What the hell do you mean you can't finish the report now”, “Who turned the AC the f*** down”.

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They can be handled with a shot of watered down empathy as you can calm them with a range of answers that provide immediate gratification.

However, the predator has a completely different approach, and can build up to a situation where psychological or possible physical violence is needed…you won't even see it coming!

'How far can you be pushed before you crack'. They test you through harmless 'microaggressions' and see how you react, and then they plot to get under your skin.

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“For example, a predator may sit in your chair. Deliberately! To see what you'll do. Or they'll ask you to help them carry something. If you agree, they'll ask you to carry that something to an isolated area away from your friends.

Are you going to speak up about the chair, or let it slide? Are you willing to help them carry that box to their car in the deserted carpark? If you go along with the first test, you're ready for the next one,” says Brown.

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Identifying these innocuous 'test rituals' can keep you safe from the predator, however, it is not as easy since they ooze challenging charm that wills you to succumb to their demands. Sigh...if only we were not brought up to be polite and courteous!

Say 'No', Don't Become A Soft Target

The trap set by the predator normally makes it almost impossible to say no, but go with your gut. If they make your skin crawl, say no to them, say anything…just don't go with the flow thinking you will get out later.

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Sometimes, getting straight to the point and cutting out the bullshit can take the predator slightly aback. A direct “what do you want” or “leave me alone” can fumble them for a while, while you ascertain that they are testing you.

Interestingly, this theory can also apply to your daily relationships where a controlling partner establishes his/her dominance where you can end up literally becoming their b***h!

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Also, it also does not help that the predator generally comes in an attractive package armed with a honey tongue. So what will it be? Fight or flee?