Unpacking Narcissism: The Leaders Among Us

In what we hope is a thought-provoking episode, this week we delve into the world of the narcissism, especially in politics and organizations. We explore how narcissistic traits often permeate leadership roles, with the potential to impact organizations, societies, and global politics, not to mention having detrimental effects on individuals' wellbeing. Far from being a straightforward topic, we also see why some people in the public eye who may appear  to be narcissistic may in fact, not be. And as always, we look at where we might focus our intentions and prayers, both for narcissists themselves, and for those affected by toxic narcissism in organizations, at home and  in society more generally.

Intention holding and prayers start at 23 minutes 45 seconds.

Suggested Intention Focus for this week

This week, as we reflect upon the damaging consequences of narcissism among political and organisational leaders, we suggest holding as our main intention:

We will that there will be a movement of compassion among the leaders of all organisations and government worldwide, opening their hearts and minds to the responsibility of upholding the dignity and well-being of all the people they serve.

Please join us in holding this.

Mentioned in this episode:

John Harden’s assessment of narcissistic traits seen among US Presidents:

https://www.newsweek.com/most-narcissistic-presidents-modern-united-states-history-ranked-1743670 (original paper published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution Volume 67, Issue 5, September 2022, at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220027221123757).

Book: Dictator's Handbook: A Practical Manual for the Aspiring Tyrant, by Randall Wood and Carmine DeLuca. Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/Dictators-Handbook-Practical-Manual-Aspiring/dp/0615652425/ref=sr_1_10 (we do not recommend our listeners aspire to take its advice). 

Our recent episode exploring polarisation and the authenticity crisis: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-67aav-18bf480

Chapter markers:

00:00:00            Introduction

00:01:23            Exploring Narcissism

00:02:46            Understanding Narcissism

00:06:43            Narcissism in Leadership

00:07:13            Political Narcissism

00:11:39            Consequences of Narcissistic Leadership

00:15:49            The Impact on Society

00:17:48            Historical Perspectives on Narcissism

00:21:22            Navigating Relationships with Narcissists

00:22:55            Intentions and Prayers for Change

00:26:46            Holding Compassionate Intentions

00:23:45            Intentions and Prayers

Sources referenced in this episode:

https://apn.com/resources/14-signs-youre-dealing-with-a-narcissist/

https://assets.cambridge.org/97811070/08724/frontmatter/9781107008724_frontmatter.pdf

https://balancerehabclinic.com/ceos-and-narcissism/

https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joop.12555

https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2021/10/25/are-narcissistic-ceos-all-that-bad/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism

https://fearlessculture.design/blog-posts/narcissistic-leaders-destroy-culture-from-within

https://fortune.com/2024/05/23/ceo-narcissist-study-linkedin-profile/

https://journals.aom.org/doi/full/10.5465/AMBPP.2021.15212abstract

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13684302241240689?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.66

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9742-narcissistic-personality-disorder

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