Dark Side: New Focus on the Personality
Contrary to popular belief, dark side traits are not personality disorders – rather just an overuse of strengths, which can cause damage later on. Hogan’s matrix shows not only how dark side personality traits can be recognised, but also how can one benefit from their dark side through finding a suitable occupation.
Dark side scale | Why is it dark? | Bright side of dark side | Avoid jobs | Beneficial for |
Excitable | volatile, unpredictable | enthusiastic, passionate | therapist, watchmaker | coach, actor, firefighter |
Skeptical | negative, paranoid, cynical | thoroughness, healthy skepticism | kindergartner | science journalist, lawyer, teacher |
Cautious | lack of innovation, reluctance, unassertiveness | deliberate, careful | entrepreneur | accountant, analyst |
Reserved | indifferent, cold, tough | business-oriented, intense | sales representative, psychologist | animal care worker, archivist, geoscientist |
Leisurely | passive-aggressive, stubborn | friendly, relaxed, autonomous | top manager | freelancer, dentist, cook |
Bold | overly confident, unable to learn from mistakes, aggressive | assertive, confident, independent | secretary, health professional | entrepreneur, firefighter, artist |
Mischievous | manipulative, untrustworthy | bright, charming, impulsive | consultant, law enforcement | finance and insurance professionals |
Colorful | irritating, distractible, narcissistic | fun, entertaining, gregarious | therapist, programmer | actor, project manager |
Imaginative | unpredictable, impractical | innovative, creative | analyst, accountant | designer, copywriter, photographer |
Diligent | inflexible, control freak, micromanager | hardworking, detail-oriented, organised | social worker, actor, nanny | pharmacist, pilot, director |
Dutiful | indecisive, conventional | compliant, conforming | inventor, project manager | elementary teacher, banker, nurse |
The effect of leadership derailment on one’s career and the whole organisation:

More information on dark side, derailment and the HDS on the Hogan Dark Side main page, or read this article on Onrec.