Despite the many articles and books that extol the value of humility and emotional intelligence among business leaders, narcissism is still prevalent in the modern workplace. There has recently been increased interest in narcissism as a key personality variable in business leadership, and narcissism has been the subject of several new books, as well as articles in the Harvard Business Review, The New Yorker, and many other publications.
As frustrating as it can be to work with a narcissistic boss, it is important to understand the nature of narcissism in order to develop a strategy for dealing with this type of boss.
First and foremost, it is important to know the actual criteria for narcissism. This is the definition from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, beginning in early adulthood and presenting in a variety of contexts, as demonstrated by five (or more) of the following:
- Has an inflated sense of self-importance
- Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- Believes he or she is “special” and unique
- Demands excessive admiration
- Has a sense of entitlement
- Is interpersonally exploitative
- Lacks empathy
- Often envies others or believes others are envious
- Displays arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes
Second, it is helpful to recognize that in some organizations, and in some circumstances, narcissism can actually confer benefits. Narcissists may be highly motivated and dedicated to success, and even if their primary agenda is to glorify themselves, they may make valuable contributions to the organization. The “dark side” of narcissism is that this type of boss is likely to be exploitative and unlikely to care about their people, their professional development, or to act as a mentor or coach.
However, it may make sense to work with a narcissistic boss, like Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada, in order to launch or accelerate your career. Although you shouldn’t expect any sympathy or support from a narcissistic boss (as Michael Douglas’s character, Gordon Gekko, said in Wall Street: “If you want a friend, get a dog”), the benefits of what you learn from working with him may outweigh the emotional costs you incur as his subordinate.
For more information on some of the potential benefits and risks of having narcissistic leaders, and how these benefits and risks can manifest in the workplace, see this presentation on narcissism at work.
I would love to hear from readers of this blog about narcissists you have worked with, and how you have learned to “manage” them.
