The Dark Side of the Narcissistic Personality
Are you working in an organization where leaders model well-developed emotional intelligence and social intelligence? Do the leaders in your organization inspire others to create a compelling future? Does your company or law firm have a high performance leadership program developing emotionally intelligent leaders?
One of the most powerful questions one can ask is “Do our organizational leaders display the characteristics of a narcissistic personality?” Innovative and inspiring leaders excite followers with high levels of energy and hope for a desired future.
Are you a leader who models an inspiring leadership style? Are you able to create a high performance workplace by creating a workplace where employees are fully engaged and leaders inspire people to innovate and achieve important goals?
As narcissists become increasingly self-assured through followers’ admiration, they act more spontaneously. They feel free of constraints, and ideas flow. They believe they’re invincible, which further inspires followers’ enthusiasm and feeds into feelings of grandiosity and overconfidence.
But the adoration narcissists crave can have a corrosive effect. As their personalities expand, they tune out cautionary words and advice. Past successes create an exaggerated self-confidence. If anyone disagrees with them, they feel justified in ignoring them, creating further isolation. The result is flagrant risk-taking that can lead to catastrophe.
Narcissists selectively listen to the information they seek. They don’t learn easily from others, as they’re overly sensitive to feedback. They are vigilant for signs of disagreement, which are interpreted as betrayal.
They don’t like to teach others, but prefer to indoctrinate or preach. They dominate meetings. The result for the organization is greater internal competitiveness.
Narcissistic leaders are uncomfortable with their emotions. Because they are so sensitive, they shun emotions as a whole and keep others at arm’s length. They have walls of defense and generally want to avoid knowing what others think of them.
One serious consequence of such oversensitivity to criticism is failure to listen when they feel threatened or attacked.
Working with a seasoned executive coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating leadership assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i and CPI 260 can help you become an inspiring leader who displays the qualities of authentic leadership. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become happily engaged with the strategy and vision of the company.
I am currently accepting new executive coaching and career coaching clients. I work with both individuals and organizations. Call 415-546-1252 or send an inquiry e-mail to mbrusman@workingresources.com.
Comments