Successful Entrepreneurs Possess the 'Dark Triad': Narcissism, Manipulation, and Psychopathy [UPDATED]

New research suggests that most accomplished entrepreneurs possess a certain trifecta of personality traits that enable them to succeed.

Dubbed the "Dark Triad," these three particular characteristics are self-regard and narcissism, manipulation and trickery, and subclinical psychopathy. According to two German academics, Dominik Schwarzinger and Matthias Kramer, similarities in entrepreneurial personalities are no coincidence—and that these personalities can be so specific and extreme, they borderline personality disorders.

Their study, which began in 2009, shows that otherwise "negative features" of a human's personality can actually be a boon for the business. First of all, they note, narcissists have "a higher propensity to start their own business." And their confidence—or potentially over-confidence—tends to have "a positive impact when dealing with risks."