NARCISSISM, THE GOOD EVIL?

Today’s business leaders maintain a markedly higher profile as compared to their predecessors. They go out - and out to promote themselves and the company and do not believe in hiding behind the corporate veil anymore.  Just like the various personality types that psychiatrists have identified, this leader personality type is identified as the “Narcissist” personality. Case studies show that narcissists are good for companies that need people with a vision and courage to take them in new directions.  But a narcissist can also lead companies into trouble by refusing to change their negative quirks. Most people think of a “narcissist” in a negative way, as Sigmund Freud, the world-renowned neurologist and psychoanalyst named this personality type after Narcissus, a mythological figure, who died because of his pathological preoccupation with himself.

 Due to this reason, narcissists are divided into two categories – productive narcissists and unproductive ones. To be a great leader, one has to fall in the former category and not venture to the dark side of this personality type.

Many great leaders have shown the traits of narcissism and they have been most productive. Narcissist leaders are exemplary visionaries. Their clarity of thoughts guides the rest. They are obsessive and thus, keep the show going. They expect everyone to believe in their vision and keep no stone unturned to achieve the same. Narcissist leaders have the potential to be good leaders. Since they like to be in the position of power, they can contribute a great deal to the organization as well. Also, as they are not good team workers, they may excel in areas where they need to work independently. One can harness the strengths of narcissism by making organizational goals your personal ones. Since “self-love” is so strong, this inevitably translates into organizational success.

Thus, deciding whether or not to hire a narcissist leader can be a tricky situation, as there are downfalls, as many successes. But, with the dramatic changes taking place in the corporate world today, firms are realizing that a productive narcissist leader is their salvation from redundancy and complacency. Companies need leaders who do not try to anticipate the future, but create it. However, it is important for these companies to realize the limitations of the narcissist leader and work with him/her to keep those negative traits in check.