We’ve all encountered challenging personalities, and sometimes, they are called bosses. The term narcissism is tossed around so frequently that it’s almost lost its meaning—many of us accept it as part of how leaders operate. But narcissism is more than a buzzword; it’s a complex personality style with far-reaching effects on personal and professional relationships. Narcissistic leaders often climb to the top through ambition and drive. An estimated 18% of CEOs score moderately or highly in narcissistic traits, compared to just 5% of the general population.
Sitting on the sidelines and labeling someone else as self-centered is easy. But what happens when the spotlight turns on you, and others start whispering that you might be the narcissist?
Leading psychologist in narcissism Ramani Durvasula states in an interview with MarketWatch, “Things you are going to look for are deceit, lack of consistency, there’s always an excuse, things aren’t getting done, and people who claim they didn’t get the email. There’s a lot of gaslighting: ‘You’re really disorganized so maybe you didn’t send it.’ You’re also going to see a lot of gossip; they are often quite triangulated.”
She explains that certain industries are going to draw more narcissistic people: law, finance, politics, media and professions with a high public valuation, upwards of 20 percent.
Narcissism in leadership is characterized by self-centered behaviors, a need for control and an excessive craving for recognition. While everyone has moments of self-focus, chronic narcissistic tendencies can hinder collaboration and alienate employees.
Leadership requires self-awareness. If you suspect your style may lean toward narcissism, start by evaluating the following behaviors:
Do You Crave Constant Recognition?
A healthy desire for acknowledgment is natural, but narcissistic leaders often demand excessive praise and attention. They may monopolize credit for team successes while disregarding individual contributions.
Ask yourself:
- Do I take credit before recognizing the work of my team members?
- Do I feel uneasy when someone else receives praise?
Are You Struggling With Empathy?
Empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership, yet narcissistic leaders often dismiss the needs or emotions of others. This can manifest as indifference to employee concerns or an inability to see things from their perspective.
Reflect on your interactions:
- Do I actively listen when team members share their concerns?
- Do I prioritize the well-being of my team, or am I solely focused on achieving my goals?
Do You Micromanage?
A need for control often drives narcissistic leaders to micromanage, diminishing creativity and undermining trust.
Consider your management style:
- Do I struggle to delegate tasks or trust others to make decisions?
- Am I overly involved in the details of my team’s work?
Do You Avoid Accountability?
Narcissistic leaders often deflect blame and avoid taking responsibility for mistakes, instead shifting fault onto team members or external factors to protect their own image.
Evaluate your responses to challenges:
- When things go wrong, do I admit my mistakes or look for someone to blame?
- Do I create a culture of accountability where everyone, including myself, learns from setbacks?
Do You Create A Culture Of Fear?
Fear-based leadership is a hallmark of narcissism. It could point to a toxic dynamic if employees feel intimidated, belittled, or fearful of making mistakes.
Ask yourself:
- Do I encourage open communication, or do team members hesitate to speak up?
- Have I used fear or intimidation to maintain control?
Are You Hyper-Competitive?
While competition can drive success, an unhealthy focus on outperforming others can lead to a cutthroat culture. Narcissistic leaders may view talented employees as threats rather than assets.
Reflect on your mindset:
- Do I support the growth and success of my team members, even if they outshine me?
- Am I secure enough to celebrate others’ achievements without feeling diminished?
How To Address Narcissistic Tendencies
Acknowledging potential narcissistic traits is the first step toward improvement. Here are strategies to help you grow as a leader:
- Practice self-reflection—Set aside time to evaluate your behavior and its impact on others. Journaling, seeking feedback or working with a coach can provide valuable insights.
- Cultivate empathy—Make a conscious effort to understand your team’s perspectives. Listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and show genuine interest in their well-being.
- Delegate—Empower your team by delegating responsibilities and trusting them to deliver results. Resist the urge to micromanage and focus on guiding rather than controlling.
- Embrace accountability—Own your mistakes and use them as learning opportunities. Foster a culture of accountability where everyone, including yourself, is held to the same standard.
- Celebrate others—Shift the spotlight to your team. Celebrate their achievements publicly and acknowledge their contributions privately. Recognize that their success reflects positively on you as a leader.
- Seek professional development—Consider attending leadership training or working with a mentor to address specific areas for improvement. A fresh perspective can help you refine your approach.
Dr. Anne Castley Burdzy, founder of Be Well Psychology, shares, “If you are considering that you might be the narcissist in the workplace, it might be helpful to engage in empathy-based strategies. Putting yourself in the position of your co-workers, considering their needs and recognizing their experience can allow you to provide effective support. Validation is another great tool to counter workplace narcissism. Noticing people’s work and providing recognition helps others feel seen and appreciated.”
Everyone has narcissistic moments—times when we focus on ourselves, seek validation, or prioritize our own needs above others. These occasional behaviors are part of being human and don’t necessarily make you a narcissist.
True narcissism is a pervasive pattern of self-centeredness, entitlement and lack of empathy that significantly impacts relationships and environments over time. If you find yourself repeatedly questioning whether your actions or thoughts align with narcissistic tendencies, it’s worth seeking guidance from a mental health professional. They can help you better understand your behavior, address any underlying issues and develop healthier interaction patterns.