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Impact of narcissistic leadership in workplaces

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2026-08-27 07:53 UTC → 2026-08-27 09:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Organizational psychology experts are examining the impact of narcissistic leadership traits within professional environments. Iris Gauglitz, a professor of organizational and work psychology at Neoma Business School, describes narcissism as a spectrum characterized by self-centeredness, an inflated self-image, and a desire for admiration. This spectrum ranges from healthy self-confidence to pathological personality disorders. While some narcissistic traits may assist individuals in asserting themselves, the behavior becomes detrimental in a professional setting when it causes distress or suffering to others. Experts note that while many leaders possess high levels of self-confidence and achieve significant results, a clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder can only be made by qualified professionals. In practice, these traits can have a dual impact. Narcissistic leaders may utilize charisma, confidence, and persuasiveness to motivate teams or secure client interest, potentially providing stability during crises. Conversely, behavior becomes problematic when leaders lack empathy, treat employees as tools for personal success, or shift blame for errors onto others. To manage these dynamics, experts suggest that employees establish clear boundaries, potentially through the assistance of a works council, to mitigate the distress or discomfort caused by such leadership styles. Recent discussions involving experts Iris Gauglitz and Marion Thiel continue to highlight the challenges of working under narcissistic managers, emphasizing the distinction between healthy self-confidence and pathological narcissism that causes significant workplace distress. The topic remains a point of discussion within broader legal and employment contexts in Germany.

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