FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE June 2017 6 N arcissism is a personality trait that includes feelings of grandiosity, arrogance, self-centeredness, fragile self- esteem, and outward hostility. Narcissistic leaders are generally motivated by a need for power and admiration rather the needs of their subordinates. Paradoxically, narcissists often possess the charisma, vision, and critical thinking skills necessary to successfully lead an organization. Unfortunately, however, the negative traits of the narcissistic leader nearly always outweigh the positives. Although narcissistic leadership characteristics are mostly negative, there is, however, one positive narcissistic leadership quality—- The ability to lead with vision. Narcissistic leaders understand the importance of having a vision in which subordinates believe. These leaders are able to see and shape the big picture in order to meet both their needs and the needs of the organization. Unfortunately, it’s a sure bet that sooner or later the negative traits of the narcissistic leader are going to make an appearance. These negatives include: 1. A desire to be admired: There is nothing wrong in seeking to be respected and admired by subordinates. Narcissists have a gift for attracting followers. They are nearly always charismatic and charming with hyper- developed verbal skills. 2. Unable to take constructive criticism: Normally, narcissists are extremely sensitive to constructive feedback. They view criticism as a personal attack and often lash out at their critics. 3. Inability to listen: Narcissistic leaders are not good listeners. To them, communication is one way and is only important if it is coming from them. Narcissists believe input from subordinates is of little value, and as such, they mostly disregard it. 4. Relationship management: Healthy narcissistic leaders show real concern for other people, and do not devalue the ideas and thoughts of others. However, leaders exhibiting destructive narcissism tendencies find no value in the ideas of others. They often try to embarrass and humiliate people with different viewpoints. 5. The inability to take criticism: Narcissists are usually hyper sensitive, and this makes them react harshly to criticism, and brood over it endlessly. They cannot tolerate perceived slights or dissenting opinions, and can be quite abrasive with those that voice a negative opinion. 6. Consistency: If a leader has a healthy level of narcissism, they will have a set of values, the ability to follow a consistent path, and will usually follow through with plans. However, when narcissism turns destructive, you have a leader with no apparent values, changes direction frequently, and is easily bored. 7. Uses generalizations: Narcissistic leaders exaggerate to achieve their goals. They use words like “always” and “never” to enhance their perspective. They play fast and loose with the truth. 8. Competitive: A narcissistic leader is “ruthlessly” competitive. They are relentless in their pursuit of victory. They take games seriously, and see them as a test of their strength and survival skills. Many narcissistic leaders are ethically and morally challenged and feel strongly that the end justifies the means. 9. Possess poor mentoring skills: Since they lack empathy and are extremely self-reliant, it is very difficult for a narcissistic leader to mentor someone, or to be mentored. When they do act as a mentor, they instruct and lecture rather than coach and try and make their mentees into smaller, paler clones of themselves. Narcissism by itself is not necessarily a negative trait. When an organization is healthy and doing well, a narcissistic leader’s attitude can remain healthy by internalizing the organization’s success as a direct result of their leadership. The dark side of this kind of leader manifests itself when the organization experiences a downturn, or other issues and problems. This is the point where the narcissistic leader begins to point the finger and blame everyone else for the organization problems. Hopefully, your organization will never have to experience the pain of toxic narcissism. But now you’ll know it when you see it; and if you see it early enough you may be able to take steps to stop it before it spirals out of control. Eric Smith • Barry University • By Dr. Eric Smith, EFO, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Barry University