Productive Narcissists
Are you working in an organization where leaders model exceptional emotional intelligence and social intelligence? Do the leaders in your organization inspire others to create a desired future?
One of the most powerful questions one can ask is “Do our organizational leaders display narcissistic tendencies?” Innovative and inspiring leaders excite followers with high levels of energy and hope for a better future.
Are you a leader who has 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 accomplish significant goals?
Narcissism Defined
We are all somewhat narcissistic, or self-centered. If we lacked this tendency, we couldn’t survive or assert our needs. “Healthy narcissism” allows us to lead a company and its people to greatness, and interesting accomplishments can occur.
Narcissists are independent, not easily impressed, and excel at innovating and thinking in original ways. They are driven to gain power and glory. Harvard anthropologist and psychoanalyst Michael Maccoby, PhD, called such individuals “productive narcissists” when he wrote “Narcissistic Leaders: The Incredible Pros, the Inevitable Cons” for the Harvard Business Review (January–February 2000).
Productive narcissists are experts in their fields and pose critical questions to learn everything that could possibly affect their companies and products. They want to be admired and respected, but not necessarily loved. They aggressively pursue goals and are less concerned with rules and “the way things have always been done.”
Of all personality types, narcissists run the greatest risk of isolating themselves, especially during moments of success. Because of their independence and aggressiveness, they are constantly looking out for enemies and sometimes become paranoid when stressed.
Strengths of the Narcissistic Leader
Narcissistic leaders often attain greatness. They can see what the future holds; they aren’t analyzers or number crunchers who try to understand or explain it. They are focused on creating it.
Another compelling quality is their gift for attracting followers. Narcissistic leaders intuitively know how to inspire through their words, speeches and language. This, however, is a double-edged sword. As much as narcissists crave adoration, this overdependence poses a danger: The need to be bolstered by adulation can feed and magnify one’s insecurities.
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 visionary leadership. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence, and who inspires people to become happily engaged with the strategy and vision of the company.
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