Narcissists in leadership positions
The first impression is misleading, narcissists cause damage.
Narcissists in leadership positions
Why are so many narcissists in leadership positions and what are the consequences?
Overview
Narcissists in leading positions
There is a disproportionate number of narcissists in leadership positions. The desire for dominance and the willingness to make the necessary effort to impress relevant people are typical of narcissism. However, the glamorous appearance is deceptive, narcissistic personalities cause damage.
For this article, I am referring to narcissism as defined by a group of personality traits rather than as a clinical disorder per se.
Willingness to take risks
A common strength of narcissistic personalities is their uncompromising will to achieve results. Their lack of self-reflection does not allow them to be risk-conscious. This is how they push projects and innovations forward.
Public image
Narcissistic personalities spent more time and energy worrying about how they are perceived.
With their appearance, narcissists can be captivating. In good forms or moments, narcissists can succeed in providing orientation and inspiration to other people. Because they pay a lot of attention to their external presentation, they often end up in a leading position.
A high proportion of top positions
What actual share narcissists have in the top positions is difficult to estimate. There are many indications that there are a lot of narcissists. The proportion of people with narcissistic tendencies in leadership positions is likely to be well above the overall average in the population. Narcissists actively pursue leadership positions and are likely to be selected by others. They are naturally more status-oriented and value power.
Narcissism and narcissists
Their appearance, sometimes perceived as charisma, can be very inspiring. Behind the deceptive facade, however, a difficult person is often hidden. If you read the article 36 indications to identify narcissists you will probably have some aha-moments.
It may be that narcissistic traits, when not extreme, and when balanced by other character strengths, have also positive effects. When narcissism is extreme, combined with other negative personality traits, and when it results in leaders making decisions that put their company, employees, constituents, or followers at risk or mislead them, or when a leader’s narcissism makes him unable to take responsibility or prioritize others’ needs above his own, then the costs of narcissism will outweigh any benefits.
Consequences
Someone probably had reasons why a narcissistic personality got into a leadership position. People with narcissistic structures do not only bring disadvantages. Not all narcissists are incompetent. Some projects benefit greatly from narcissists. However, they often cause tremendous damage that is often only noticed after a time delay.
Since they are not able to maintain real relationships of trust and accept feedback, their view is very limited. The lack of social skills and the overestimation of their abilities have consequences.
Organizations may think that there is nothing wrong with having narcissists in leadership roles. But the risks of narcissism are generally underestimated. Even the benefits of narcissism disappear during difficult and complex times and many leaders display much more than a little amount of narcissism. The awareness of the causes and consequences of narcissistic personalities is still lacking.
Narcissists in leadership positions
In the beginning, narcissists present themselves as enrichment. They disguise themselves to those people with whom they want to make a good impression, as long as it is beneficial to them. Then they take off their mask more and more often and the damage becomes bigger and bigger. A leader’s narcissism can result in decisions that are at odds with the needs and well being of those affected by these decisions.
Mostly those persons who could intervene are still too dazzled by the self-portrayal and the promises made. If the true character is recognized, it is usually very late.
What to do?
What can you do when people in leadership positions turn out to be narcissists?
You could start by looking at the article with 30 tips for communicating with narcissists. Dealing with narcissists. Too much is too much!. Then you can look for support in dealing with narcissists. And do it quickly, because it is easier to prevent problems than to correct them. Narcissists are extremely sensitive and never forget even supposed shame. Narcissistic personalities perceive even comprehensible constructive feedback as a personal insult and want to take revenge for such insolence. And yet they know little inhibitions.
Challenges
Much of what is useful in other situations for good communication and relationship building exacerbates situations in which narcissists are involved. In interpersonal conflicts, narcissists do not go to work fairly. If they consider it necessary, they also accept their disadvantages. This can cause considerable damage, can ruin drive whole companies and the people involved.
Professional support
If you are looking for professional support regarding communication and decision-making, feel free to ask me. For legal questions, please contact the appropriate experts. I am here for you to take into account the communicative and psychological aspects.
Compassionate Support for Those Affected by Narcissists
(Note: This is not legal advice—consult a legal professional for legal issues.)
Understanding the Challenge
Dealing with narcissistic individuals can lead to intense emotional pain, confusion, and exhaustion. I understand that many of you are facing an overwhelming situation, feeling isolated and unsure where to turn. My goal is to provide you with clear, compassionate support to help you regain control and navigate through this challenging time.
Immediate Support and Appointment Options
If you need urgent help, I strive to be available at short notice, often even on the same day. This is possible thanks to immediate bank transfer options. A 60-minute phone call is typically sufficient to address urgent concerns, provide support, and create clarity. You have several options for appointments:
- In-person meetings: Available in Berlin.
- Phone consultations: Flexible and convenient.
- Video sessions: Internet-based video conferencing for a face-to-face experience.
If you are looking for guidance in making decisions, communicating effectively, or managing emotional distress due to narcissistic relationships, I am here to arrange a session that suits your needs.
Booking an Appointment
Due to the high volume of requests, my volunteer assistance must remain limited. However, I am committed to providing professional support—whether you need therapeutic help or coaching (excluding legal advice).
Appointments can be booked:
For your convenience, sessions can be arranged quickly thanks to real-time bank transfers. You may schedule an appointment first or, for even faster service, book directly. Once the fee is received, we will find the next available slot to suit your schedule.
Therapeutic Support and Reduced Fees
If you are experiencing the psychological effects of narcissistic abuse, I offer specialized therapeutic support. My goal is to help you overcome the confusion and pain caused by narcissistic relationships. Additionally, reduced rates are available specifically for therapeutic assistance related to narcissistic abuse, as I recognize the burden these experiences can place on your well-being.
Financial Limitations and Alternative Support
I understand that not everyone has the financial means to afford professional support. In such cases, I invite you to use the comment section as a platform to connect and share experiences with others facing similar challenges. I occasionally provide responses there, offering guidance that may help you move forward.
To further assist, I offer a free initial consultation by phone on the first Monday of each month, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is my way of giving back and helping those in need of immediate guidance. To access this free service, please call +49 (0)30 864 213 65. Note that calls outside these hours or to other phone numbers will be handled exclusively as part of professional support.
Questions and Private Concerns
For questions that could benefit others, feel free to ask in the comment section. Sharing these questions helps others understand that they are not alone and provides collective insights. For more private matters, I am available for professional support.
To arrange an appointment, discuss support options, or address organizational questions, please reach out via email at mail@karstennoack.com or better please use the contact form.
A Final Note
Thank you for your understanding regarding my procedures and the limitations I face due to the high volume of requests. Your courage in seeking support is commendable, and I am here to provide guidance, compassion, and clarity on your journey.
Be ready for important conversations and negotiations
Communication can be easy. But often it is not. Sometimes we say one thing and then realize later, based on the other person's reaction, that they were talking to someone else. With the best will in the world, I didn't say that. - Or did I?
More or less consciously, conversations are about convincing other people of something - be it a special offer, your personality, a perspective, or a necessity. If this doesn't happen quickly enough, and above all, if it isn't precise and vivid, the other person quickly loses interest, and we lose the hoped-for opportunity. - The conversation has failed.
You can let me help you prepare for your meetings and negotiations (to be on the safe side: no legal advice!). Find out how you and your message are perceived (arguments, body language, language, voice, and much more). I will train you effective tools and communication strategies. Develop your psychological skills, learn to stay calm, act confidently, remain authentic, and ultimately convince.
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Narcissistic parents
The extent to which parents with narcissistic tendencies are perceived as a problem varies significantly. Offspring are often unaware that narcissism is involved in the idiosyncratic relationship. This article is about this special relationship and what results from it.
Compassion for narcissists?
On some occasions, I stand up for people who suffer from narcissistic personalities. Thus, I am frequently asked if I have no sympathy for narcissists. Here is my answer.
Narcissists and feedback
People make mistakes and can learn from them. With narcissists this is unlikely. Even to harmless and cautious feedback, narcissists respond as if it were harsh inappropriate criticism.
Therapeutic help for people suffering from narcissists
Psychological support for people who have suffered or are suffering from narcissists.
This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in group or individual training or coaching.
Published: January 2, 2012
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: November 19th, 2024
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/narzissten-in-fuehrungspositionen/
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