Topic: Narcissism
a_shields's photo
Mon 08/03/09 07:50 AM
Edited by a_shields on Mon 08/03/09 07:53 AM
I understand this way of thinking as harmful to those close to a person... but is narcissism a needed trait in a leader? For a (1)president or a (2)CEO or a (3)religious leader to make a choice and say it is the "right" thing to do - does that not require faith in his or her own ability?

On further reflection, (1) is chosen by other people, that choice being a confirmation of self-faith.

(2) is chosen based on ability to perform only. "He/she gets results". Thus, hired/picked as CEO. Carl Rove is another example of this result-qualified silent controller/adviser.

(3) is chosen based on the idea that person represents. Almost like a "born" president. God chose him/her, and so divine right to lead exists as a moral statement. This one seems to have very little actual power or control over followers. Biggie Smalls and 2Pac seemed of this type - men representing an ideal that people needed to overcome current conditions. MLK would have been another.

ok ok ok I've gotten off track. Core question: DO LEADERS NEED FAITH IN THEIR OWN ABILITY TO BE GOOD LEADERS?

Sorry about the caps. Seems easier to define a main point.

newarkjw's photo
Mon 08/03/09 08:01 AM
It would be hard to otherwise......smokin

no photo
Mon 08/03/09 08:20 AM
I think a leader definitely must be confident in her/his ability to lead. If they were weak or unsure, no one would follow them. However, I think a good leader respects the opinions and ideas of her/his constituents and aims to reflect this respect in every descision that she/he carries out.

AGoodGuy1026's photo
Mon 08/03/09 08:22 AM
good leaders know how to identify skills in others, that are greater than themselves -- and lead them to success...

I think a narccicist would have a problem admitting that anyone else is "better" at something than they themselves can be...

I agree with what the OP says about leaders, with the above exception....

earthytaurus76's photo
Mon 08/03/09 08:29 AM
A GOOD leader yes.

Most leaders, no. They know they are lying decietful people, who cannot be trusted, or given faith.

no photo
Mon 08/03/09 10:14 AM
Edited by Bushidobillyclub on Mon 08/03/09 10:15 AM
Narcissism describes the trait of excessive self-love based on self-image or ego.

The term is derived from the Greek mythology of Narcissus. Narcissus was a handsome Greek youth who rejected the desperate advances of the nymph Echo. As punishment, he was doomed to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. Unable to consummate his love, Narcissus pined away and changed into a flower that bears his name, the narcissus.

In psychology and psychiatry, excessive narcissism is recognized as a severe personality disorder. The terms narcissism, narcissistic, and narcissist are often used as pejoratives, denoting vanity, conceit, egotism or simple selfishness. Applied to a social group, it is sometimes used to denote elitism or an indifference to the plight of others.

Sigmund Freud believed that some narcissism is an essential part of all of us from birth and was the first to use the term in the reference to psychology.[1] Andrew Morrison claims that, in adults, a reasonable amount of healthy narcissism allows the individual's perception of his needs to be balanced in relation to others.[2]


Based on this Id say no.



Etymology

The term narcissism means love of oneself and refers to the set of character traits concerned with self-admiration, self-centeredness and self-regard. The name was chosen by Sigmund Freud, from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was doomed to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water.

While virtually everyone can be claimed to possess some degree of narcissistic traits, certain forms of narcissism can be highly dysfunctional, and are classified as pathologies such as the narcissistic personality disorder and malignant narcissism. Psychopathy, as defined by the PCL-R, also contains a narcissistic factor.[3]

Yea again based on this, id say no unless again you are referring to the standard level extant in everyone.


[edit] Healthy Narcissism

Narcissism, in the generic sense, describes the character trait of self-love, based on self-image or ego. Narcissism is generally seen in a more negative manner, related to excessive levels of self-esteem and a devaluation of others, but this might be too narrow-minded. Healthy narcissism is formed through a structural truthfulness of the self, achievement of self and object constancy, synchronization between the self and the superego and a balance between libidinal and aggressive drives (the ability to receive gratification from others and the drive for impulse expression). Healthy narcissism forms a constant, realistic self-interest and mature goals and principles and an ability to form deep object relations.[4] A feature related to healthy narcissism is the feeling of greatness. This is used to avoid the feeling of being small or insignificant.

I think a good leader must be humble a long with and this would contradict with excessive levels of self esteem and a devaluation of other.

no photo
Mon 08/03/09 10:28 PM
....but is narcissism a needed trait in a leader?




Yes. He or she also needs a bunch of mindless followers. bigsmile