What qualities define a good leader? Dyanamic? Charimastic? Visionary? These are traits that we have all heard of and seen in the world's greatest leaders. However, meet the new breed of leaders who redefine these qualities and as many scientific reaseaches have proven, show classic signs of a narcissist personalities. Vinnie Bhadra, gives you a low-down on this new leadership style which has India Inc. caputalised.
These patterns have changed over the years and leaders have become more dynamic, charismatic and peoples person. These traits define a great leader, however, there are many scientific studies that show, that this type of personality is called a narcissistic personality. Read on to find out how narcissism can be used to be better leaders.
Today's business leaders maintain a markedly higher profile as compared to their predecessors. They go out and out to promote themselves, the company and do not believe in hiding behind the corporate veil anymore. Just like the various personality types that psychiatrists have identified, this leader personality type is identified as the "narcissist" personality. Case studies show those narcissists are good for companies that need people with a vision and the courage to take them in new directions. But a narcissist can also lead companies into trouble by refusing to change their negative quirks. Most people think of a narcissist in a negative way, as Sigmund Freud, the world-renowned neurologist and psychoanalyst named this personality type after Narcissus, a mythological figure, who died because of his pathological preoccupation with himself.
Due to this reason, narcissists are divided into two categories - productive narcissists and unproductive ones. To be a great leader, one has to fall in the former category and not venture to the dark side of this personality type.
"Many great leaders have shown traits of narcissism and they have been most productive. Most of the times, the positive side has been far heavier then the negative side. Narcissist leaders are exemplary visionaries. Their clarity of thoughts guides the rest. They are obsessive and thus, keep the show going. They expect everyone to believe in their vision and keep no stone unturned to achieve the same," says Sudhir Dhar, head - HR, Motilal Oswal Financial. "Narcissist leaders are obsessed about themselves and their own image. This negative mindset can actually be harnessed in a positive way. Since they are acutely aware that they will be judged by the success of the organisation, they are leading style and image are important to them and they will work compulsively to ensure that goals are met," says Harsh Chopra, country manager, Adizes Institute. Dr. Ichak Adizes, served as tenured faculty at UCLA, a visiting professor at Stanford and has been on the list of teaching staff of Columbia University. He has also consulted heads of states and members of cabinet of different countries. on important issues.
ATTRIBUTES OF A PRODUCTIVE NARCISSIST, according to Sunitha Murthy, product development leader, Pearson Talent Assessment:
a) Confidence
b) Charisma
c) Position of power/importance
d) Good persuasion/influencing skills
e) Great Vision
f) Inspiration to people
ATTRIBUTES OF AN UNPRODUCTIVE NARCISSIT, according to Bhawana Pandey, Head Human Resource, Protiviti Consulting:
a) Grandiose perceptions of about themselves
b) Think they are better than others
c) Have a tendency to dominate people
d) Lack empathy
e) Poor listeners
f) Cannot take criticism
Narcissist leaders have the potential to be good leaders. They have vision and take pride in accomplishments. Since they are the people who like to be in the position of power, they can contribute a great deal to the organisation as well. Also as they are not good team workers, they may excel in areas where they need to work independently. One can harness the strengths of narcissism by making organisational goals your personal goals. Since self-love is so strong this inevitably translates into organisational success. The drive and passion for achieving personal success gets directed constructively towards meeting organisational goals. This also improves the person as is able to rise above self-love and able to take a holistic view of the world around him/her.
Thus, deciding whether or not to hire a narcissist leader can be a tricky situation, as here are downfalls, as many successes. But, with the dramatic changes taking place in the corporate world today, organisations are realising that a productive narcissist leader is their salvation from redundancy and complacency. Companies need leaders who do not try to aniticipate the future, but create it. However, it is important for these companies to realise the limitations of the narcissist leader and work with him/her to keep those negative traits in check.
---Vinnie Bhadra
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