James Patrick has a very helpful article on the very unfortunate topic of working with a narcissistic leader. “The key to understanding narcissists,” Patrick says, “is recognizing that they are primarily ‘self-referential.’
That is, they interpret the world only as it pertains to them.” Ego is a common-enough Achille’s heel of leaders, but true narcissism raises the stakes considerably. Patrick goes on to describe the complexities, and how to survive. Read the article, and see if it resonates with any experience you’ve had. (And be ready for at least a slight sting if you find yourself looking in the pool yourself–as we all do at some time or another.)