"A new paper by Mei Kei Leong and colleagues (2025), from Taylor's University in Malaysia, provides important perspectives on narcissism's facets and its connection to toxicity in leaders. Noting that "the desire for admiration and power" drives them to "engage in more self-promotion and seek recognition than less narcissistic leaders," the literature is less clear on whether these strategies work or not."
"Confidence and exuberance, great traits for leaders, can easily turn to failure when they morph into overconfidence. You may be able to relate to these ideas if you think about someone in power whose decisions affect you, whether directly (as in a boss or friend) or indirectly (as in a politician). You shake your head in wonder as you see this person squash any opposition on their way to enacting their own desires. Why would anyone put up with this?"
People high in grandiose or malignant narcissism can attain leadership while harming others through constant demands for attention, aggression toward rivals, and lack of moral restraint. The desire for admiration and power drives them to engage in more self-promotion and recognition-seeking than less narcissistic leaders. Confidence and exuberance can become overconfidence and lead to failure. Such leaders often squash opposition and siphon power from others, creating doubt about whether anyone can stop them. Limiting their ability to exert power over others and understanding their motivations can help reduce self-interested and unethical behavior and protect personal fulfillment.
Read at Psychology Today
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