Leadership attracts narcissists like moths to flames. Because they like being in charge, having a high social status, and taking centre stage. So it’s likely narcissists are overrepresented in leadership positions. You may have even experienced a narcissist boss during your work life.
So I thought I’d discuss the pros and cons of narcissist leaders. Because, believe it or not, they do bring some qualities to the table. But obviously there’s downsides too. Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments bellow…
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Pro – They’re Less Risk Averse
Narcissists are generally more willing to take risks. Because they’re more impulsive. And they believe they’re blessed with good fortune, as they’re so special.
Being prepared to take risks can pay dividends when running a business. Because as the saying goes, “He who dares, wins”.
Most of us are wired to be too cautious. Because we’re designed to live in more dangerous times. So our caution can sometimes be our undoing. Because we needlessly miss opportunities.
Narcissists willingness to take risks, gives them an advantage in some situations. Because they dare to stand where others won’t. And sometimes their gambles reap huge rewards.
Con – They Take Too Many Risks!
However, a pro can also be a con. And many narcissists take risks too far.
A narcissist leader may have some gambles that pay off. So they gain more confidence, and take even bigger risks.
Believing they’re blessed with good fortune, they continually roll the dice. And take increasingly bigger risks. Not knowing when to stop. Until inevitably their luck runs out.
This can lead to a meteoric rise, followed by an almighty crash. Because luck can only take you so far. As Murphy’s Law states, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”.
Pro – They Can Be The Bad Guy
Poor leaders often want to be liked too much. And this stops them making tough decisions. And it reduces respect from their subordinates.
Overt narcissists are usually prepared to make unpopular decisions. Especially if they benefit themselves, or their position. And this creates a strong leadership style. Because people fear and respect them.
If a leader is a pushover, then their ability to lead is compromised. And the business can drift off course, like an abandoned ship.
But it must be noted, some narcissist leaders do want to be liked by their staff. Think of David Brent from The Office! So this can also be their undoing, if they seek positive supply from their staff.
Con – They Can Be The Bad Guy!
And the bad guy thing can get out of hand. Because some narcissists abuse their positions of power.
A narcissist leader may bully staff. Show a lack of understanding. And make decisions that are detrimental to the staff and the business. Just to flex their muscles.
Narcissist leaders may create toxic environments. And reward toxic people, and toxic behaviours. Whilst penalising and bullying empathic staff.
Over time, the non toxic staff leave. And they’re replaced by more toxic staff. Which gradually distils the work force into a highly toxic unit. Making it almost impossible to perform quality work.
Pro – They Think Big
Grandiosity plays a big role in most narcissistic personalities. And with grandiosity comes big plans.
In business, you rarely achieve more than your vision. You either achieve it, or fall short. So if you have big plans, you usually have a higher ceiling of potential achievement.
Narcissist leaders often have audacity to think BIG. Like, REALLY big! Giving them a greater chance of taking businesses to dizzying heights.
Con – They Can Ruin Staff Morale
Narcissist leaders are notorious for taking the plaudits when things go right. And passing the buck when they go wrong.
Narcissistic behaviours like this demoralises teams. Which creates disharmony amongst the work force. Harming the quality of work, and damaging the business.
Low staff morale may cause staff shortages, due to increased absence and departures. And if staff turn over is high, this leads to many inefficiencies. As more staff training is required. With less experienced staff on hand.
Pro – They Can Be Charismatic And Inspirational
Narcissist leaders are usually well versed at charming others. And can be great motivators, with their inspirational talks and ideas.
Narcissists are master manipulators. And this can work in their favour when motivating teams. Because they know which buttons to press to get their desired results.
Con – Poor Listeners
Narcissist leaders are often caught up in their own plans and ideas. And don’t utilise the talent at their disposal.
Narcissists usually think their ideas are best – even when they’re clearly not. Just because they thought of them. And they’re often unwilling to accept better ideas from subordinates.
Narcissists also take criticism badly. And some are so thin skinned, they take anything resembling a disagreement, as a slap in the face.
This often leads to teams being too scared to point out problems. Or offer better ideas. Which puts them at a serious disadvantage to collaborative teams.
Pro – Lack Of Empathy
A lack of empathy can help narcissist leaders tackle dirty work. Such as firing lazy workers. Or demanding more from them. Because they don’t lay awake at night worrying about the knock-on affects.
Leaders with high levels of empathy may avoid this distress, by keeping troublesome workers on the payroll. Allowing problems to drag on for years. Instead of nipping them in the bud.
Con – Lack Of Empathy
But a narcissist leaders lack of empathy usually causes problems. Especially when it comes to dealing with people.
They may not be understanding when staff suffer with personal issues. And may expect them to behave like robots, rather than human beings. Narcissists often view people as commodities to be used. And staff may feel this, and resent it.
Narcissists may also fail to understand their customers. Because they struggle to see things from other peoples’ perspective. So they may provide a bad customer experience as a result.
Final Thoughts
Whilst there are pros and cons to narcissist leaders, in my opinion the cons outweigh the pros. Especially if you’re an employee.
Narcissist leaders can damage your mental health. Because they have power over you, and you can’t avoid them.
Narcissist leaders often encourage narcissistic behaviours from others. And reward narcissistic staff. Turning the workplace into a toxic hell hole.
If you have a narcissist boss, then it’s probably a good idea to look for another job. Because your mental health is at stake. And that’s a big price to pay.
Please CLICK HERE For 10 Signs Your Boss Is A Narcissist
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