Summary
In recent years, narcissistic leaders have risen to power in politics and business, often with disruptive and undesirable outcomes. This document provides news and information to help adapt, survive, and thrive amidst a cultural rise in selfishness and self-centeredness.
This document offers a few different examples of ways to coexist with narcissistic leaders, such as avoidance, or resistance, or leaning-in. Other examples of mindsets and responses are given.
Pollution from Production
With manufacturing, we generally focus on the products created and ignore the pollution and waste created. Narcissistic leaders are like factories that have some visible measurable positive outcomes, but the negative aspects of their leadership style outweighs the benefits.
Shortcomings of Narcissism
In the video below, Ryan Holiday offers a helpful introduction to the leadership practices of narcissistic leaders using the example of Nero, the 5th emperor of Rome. Some comparisons are made to present-day leaders which makes the presentation more helpful.
[Source: Ryan Holiday via YouTube, 30 Oct 2024]
A Better Path Forward
In the video below, Ryan Holiday offers a helpful overview of the benefit of humility compared to selfishness and ego. He examines bad advice on success from narcissists.
[Source: Ryan Holiday via YouTube, 20 Sep 2024]
Identifying Narcissism
The following reference was provided by Google Search Labs.
Narcissism is a personality trait that involves:
- A grandiose sense of self-importance
- A lack of empathy for others
- A need for excessive admiration
- A belief that one is unique and deserving of special treatment
- Fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty, or the perfect mate
- An inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
- Exploiting others without guilt or shame
Narcissism can manifest in two ways:
- Grandiose narcissism: Elevated self-esteem and dominance
- Vulnerable narcissism: Fragile self-esteem and hostility
People with narcissistic personality disorder may:
- Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot, and come across as conceited
- Insist on having the best of everything
- Be defensive, insulting, threatening, aggressive, shouting, lying, gaslighting, humiliating, and even violent
There is no cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but therapy can help. Treatment usually centers on talk therapy.
If you suspect someone you care about has narcissistic personality disorder, you can: Stay calm and don’t take things personally, Set healthy boundaries, Protect yourself, Take care of your own mental health, and Don’t ignore warning signs.
Further Reading
Below are additional resources listed by source.
- Duke Health — “Having narcissistic tendencies — like bragging or making yourself the center of attention — are normal when they occur occasionally. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is different. Symptoms are more severe, occur across different situations and environments, and make relationships with others challenging, if not impossible.” [More…]
- HelpGuide.org — “The word narcissism gets tossed around a lot in our selfie-obsessed, celebrity-driven culture, often to describe someone who seems excessively vain or full of themselves. But in psychological terms, narcissism doesn’t mean self-love—at least not of a genuine sort. It’s more accurate to say that people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are in love with an idealized, grandiose image of themselves. And they’re in love with this inflated self-image precisely because it allows them to avoid deep feelings of insecurity. But propping up their delusions of grandeur takes a lot of work—and that’s where the dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors come in.” [More…]
- Mayo Clinic — “Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism. A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial matters. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the special favors or admiration that they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships troubled and unfulfilling, and other people may not enjoy being around them.” [More…]
- Psychology Today — “There’s also a growing sense that narcissism is on the rise around the world, especially among young people, although most psychological research does not support that notion. Narcissism is properly viewed on a spectrum. The trait is normally distributed in the population, with most people scoring near the middle, and a few at either extreme.” [More…]
Survive and Thrive
Driven by an insatiable eco, narcissistic leaders have an internal source of energy that motivates them. When placed in a position of power, their character traits become magnified. They are typically not willing to negotiate or compromise.
It’s not possible to effectively respond to the erratic chaos generated by narcissistic leaders. This only brings chaos into your life. Instead, it’s better to begin building for the long-term rather than living reactively in the short term.
David Pakman and Steve Schmidt
The video below is a conversation between David Pakman and Steve Schmidt about surviving in a second Trump term.
[Source: The Warning with Steve Schmidt, 1 Dec 2024]
The Lean-In Approach
Rather than fighting against a narcissist, or ignoring them, the lean-in approach incorporates proper behavior to hopefully have them emulate your actions. This is a common method of influencing others. We tend to yawn when someone else yawns. While this is not a Jedi mind trick guaranteed to offer you 100% full control over another person, simply exhibiting good character and values can rub off.
This combined with genuine appreciation and kindness extended toward the narcissist can possibly foster a working relationship. It can also bring the focus of attention back onto positive constructive tasks.
The post below is an example of this approach.
The above was posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The strategy of leaning in is intended to bring out the best behavior in a narcissist. While the outcomes may not be 100% perfect, the negative externalities can be minimized.
Washington Post (26 Nov 2024)
“Why American democracy will survive” — Excerpt: “The United States has a vast framework of independent state and local governments whose authority and resources enable them to push back against undemocratic directives from the chief executive, or at least limit their impact. … There are indeed choppy waters ahead for American democracy. But we are confident that the United States is a strong ship that even an unhinged captain cannot run aground. Its infrastructure makes possible the mobilization of speech, protest, litigation and countervailing power, all of which can limit the de-democratizing ambitions of any president. It falls to us to make use of those tools.” [More…]
Resistance
A YouTube user named Tennessee Brando explains why he chooses to not be friends with MAGA members, and will continue to criticize Trump for his past, present, and future failings.
[Source: Tennessee Brando, 29 Nov 2024]