Maccoby lists several overarching attributes of a leader who uses charisma and narcissism for evil. As you read through the following list see if you can think of someone who has some of these attributes:
• is sensitive to criticism
• is a poor listener
• is lacking in empathy
• has a distaste for mentoring
• has an intense desire to compete (this is negative when there is collateral damage).
• is more interested in controlling others than through the use of discipline itself
These characteristics suggest that some “leaders” are less interested in people and more interested in themselves and in potentially manipulating an environment. The consequences of any one of these traits could be detrimental to an organization, but when you stack one trait on top of the other, the results are cataclysmic.
Nowadays, it feels like you could throw a rock and hit a leader that exudes these traits. If you work for a leader who is like this, RUN! If you are a leader like this, ask yourself, “How do I want to be remembered when I am dead?” If it is an a**hole, keeping being you. However, my guess is that If you are a leader who exudes these traits, you will probably answer by exclaiming your greatness.
The world is crying out for antithesis of narcissistic leadership. The world is begging for a reimagination of what is leadership. And the world needs to develop future leaders who embrace the 'for other-with others' matra.
Be safe, be kind, and be the change you want.
James Kelley,
CEO of qChange
Michael Maccoby, “Narcissistic leaders: The incredible pros, the inevitable cons,” Harvard Business Review 78, no. 1 (2000): 68–78.