Narcissism has always been considered a negative trait. However, Science Daily reports that it may prove useful, especially if you’re occupying a position of power.
Examining previous studies on the relationship of leadership and narcissism, lead researcher Emily Grijalva and her team found that those who think a great deal about themselves often emerge as great bosses, but only until a certain point, as too much self-belief may also become their undoing.
“Narcissists tend to be extraverted, and that is leading to the positive relationship between narcissism and leader emergence,” says Grijalva. “But you have to keep in mind that although narcissists are likely to emerge as the group leader, over time, the more negative aspects of narcissism emerge.” These include “being exploitative, arrogant, and even tyrannical.”
In order to succeed in the workplace, researchers recommend a tiny dose of narcissism—just enough to make you believe in yourself and in your abilities. As study co-author Peter Harms concludes, you should have “a nice balance between having sufficient levels of self-confidence, but do not manifest the negative, antisocial aspects of narcissism that involve putting others down to feel good.”
(Photo by Victor1558 via Flickr Creative Commons)
