When Leaders Are Driven by Self-Interest

Leaders play a crucial role in organizations, from businesses to nations. However, some leaders prioritize their own needs and desires over the interests of the people and institutions they lead. This type of leadership is known as narcissistic leadership.

What is Narcissistic Leadership?

Narcissistic leadership is defined as leader behavior that is primarily motivated by the leader's own needs and desires, which take precedence over the needs and concerns of the people and institutions they lead.

The term "narcissism" comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a man who was so obsessed with his own appearance that he fell in love with his own reflection. People with narcissistic tendencies often have an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

Narcissistic Leaders: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Visionary: Narcissistic leaders often have a strong vision for the future, especially in times of crisis.

• Charismatic: They can inspire and motivate others with their confidence and enthusiasm.

Cons:

• Arrogance: They may believe they are superior to others and disregard their opinions.
• Feelings of inferiority: They may have a deep-seated sense of insecurity and need constant validation.
• Insatiable need for recognition and superiority: They may use their position to exploit others and advance their own agenda.
• Hyper-sensitivity and anger: They may respond with uncontrollable anger, when the perceived greatness is challenged.
• Lack of empathy: They may have difficulty understanding and relating to the needs of others.
• Amorality: They may be willing to bend or break the rules to achieve their goals.
• Irrationality and inflexibility: may make decisions based on their own emotions rather than logic.
• Paranoia: They may distrust others and see threats where none exist.

Conclusion

Narcissistic leaders can be highly effective in the short term, but their self-serving behavior can have long-term negative consequences for their organizations. HR professionals should be aware of the signs of narcissistic leadership and take steps to prevent it from taking root in their organizations.

Original Article

Rosenthal, S. A., & Pittinsky, T. L. (2006). Narcissistic leadership. The leadership quarterly, 17(6), 617-633.