David Thomas’ 2012 book “Behind the Mask” (ISBN 184624935X) claims the following characteristics, whether some or all, describe the narcissist:
- An obvious self-focus in interpersonal exchanges
- Problems in sustaining satisfying relationships
- A lack of psychological awareness
- Difficulty with empathy
- Problems distinguishing the self from others
- Hypersensitivity to any insults or imagined insults
- Vulnerability to shame rather than guilt
- Haughty body language
- Flattery towards people who admire and affirm them
- Detesting those who do not admire them
- Using other people without considering the cost of doing so
- Pretending to be more important than they really are
- Bragging (subtly but persistently) and exaggerating their achievements
- Claiming to be an "expert" at many things
- Inability to view the world from the perspective of other people
- Denial of remorse and gratitude
Should the corporate leader possess these traits, then there is surety about these outcomes:
- The leader’s vision will be difficult if not impossible to be shared, since it is designed primarily to serve the leader.
- There is no “team” in “I”.
- There is no sustainability being sought other than that of the leader’s self.
- Talent, thus innovation will disappear.
- Those who remain will the most insecure and timid types, none of who could make the differences needed.
- Ultimately the corporation will fail and it will be everyone else’s fault – not the leader’s!
If you recognise these traits in your leader – leave!
If you recognise these traits in yourself – you probably aren’t a full narcissist, but you could do with expert help to ensure you do no damage to self and others.
What have you experienced?
