Dr. Iris Halili: The Narcissistic Leader
“A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing all along that they are being directed from behind”.
— Nelson Mandela
According to the American Psychiatric Association (1994), narcissism is a personality type that includes an excessive need for admiration, an exaggerated sense of personal superiority, an insatiable desire for power, the belief that one is always right, and a profound lack of empathy. Although narcissism is often treated as a negative trait in leadership, scholars argue that it is precisely this trait that drives many leaders toward power and, in some cases, toward their mission of leadership.
The anthropologist and psychoanalyst Michael Maccoby (2004) distinguishes between two types of narcissism: productive and unproductive. The productive aspects of narcissism help leaders achieve victories, while its darker sides can prevent them from fulfilling the mission their followers expect, turning their leadership into unproductive or even destructive outcomes.
The Bright Side of Narcissism
As Sankowsky (1995) observed, narcissism can give a leader a mystical aura, making them appear heroic, deeply engaged, and even adored by followers to the point of blind devotion. Narcissistic leaders thrive on admiration and feel fulfilled as long as they are surrounded by admirers.
Maccoby also identified in the narcissistic leader an almost supernatural drive to reach goals, a unique creative power, and an inner strength to face dangerous or difficult situations. These leaders often inspire followers in unmatched ways. In fact, during crises or historical turning points, it is often narcissistic leaders who rally optimism and push people toward transformation. History repeatedly shows narcissistic leaders at the forefront of great upheavals.
Thus, the narcissistic personality makes for a complex leader. This naturally raises the question: is narcissism in leadership more positive or negative? Theorists of leadership often answer paradoxically: “It is good that a leader has it — and equally good if he does not!”
Two traits stand out as crucial to the success of narcissistic leaders: their strong self-belief and their visionary ability to inspire others to share in that belief, even in the most difficult moments. Without these two qualities, it is hard to begin the long and difficult road of leadership or to gain acceptance from followers. These traits are what launch a leader into prominence. But once in power, the same narcissism that elevated them may also threaten to undermine them.
Narcissus and the River
The ancient myth of Narcissus, who drowned while entranced by his own reflection in the water, carries many interpretations. Did he die because he fell in love with himself, because he mistook his image for another person he wished to embrace, or because he was overwhelmed by the mirror-like beauty of the river itself?
This raises a symbolic question: was it Narcissus’s self-absorption that destroyed him, or was it the mirror-like quality of the river that lured him to his death? In terms of leadership, we can ask: do narcissistic societies produce narcissistic leaders, or do narcissistic leaders shape their societies?
In Albania’s history, for instance, one can see different characters in its dominant leaders, but one unifying trait is their narcissism — reflecting the society they represent. A key lesson of leadership theory is that a leader is the product of the society he represents. Thus, a narcissistic society will inevitably produce narcissistic leaders.
“I Am Sui Generis”
The narcissistic leader considers himself famous and exceptionally important. He believes he is a unique, chosen figure, the only alternative worth following. His confidence is so strong that it is naturally transmitted to followers.
In Communist Albania, people would say about the country’s dictator during the parades: “When Enver Hoxha appears, the rain stops, and the sun comes out.” This illustrates how mass brainwashing fed the narcissistic ego of the dictator, presenting him as a near-divine figure.
“I Must Be Loved at All Costs”
The narcissistic leader cannot live without admiration. It is no coincidence that such leaders obsess over controlling the arts, ensuring that culture produces only hymns of praise in their honor.
“Others Are Just Objects”
Narcissistic leaders lack empathy and see others merely as objects. According to Dimaggio (2002), narcissistic leaders see themselves as gods with the right to treat their followers as things. While they may feign sensitivity, in truth they maintain no real emotional connection. This is the greatest danger of societies led by narcissists: they easily slide into authoritarianism, and if unchecked, into merciless dictatorship.
“All Must Think and Act Like Me”
Narcissistic leaders shape narcissistic followers and societies. In doing so, they reinforce their own power. The real danger lies not only in what such a leader represents, but in what he inspires and shapes in others. Hitler is perhaps the most recognizable example: he transmitted his narcissism to German society.
“Victory and Only Victory for Me”
Narcissistic leaders demand constant success. They find it nearly impossible to admit defeat. When they fail, they blame others; when they succeed, they take all the credit. Even imagined victories are claimed as real — as seen in Communist Albania’s endless propaganda of “achievements” under Hoxha, where illusion replaced reality.
“I Don’t Listen — I Only Command”
Narcissistic leaders lack the ability to listen. They surround themselves with sycophants and reject honest dialogue. They seek domination, enjoy striking down others, and see life as a constant competition in which only they can win (Blair, 2008). This makes participatory or collaborative leadership almost impossible. As their power grows, so does their intolerance of dissent. Paranoia often accompanies their narcissism, pushing them to eliminate or silence opponents.
“I Do Whatever I Want”
Control is the ultimate aim of the narcissistic leader. Abuse of power is the norm, as they appoint only those fully under their command. Their insatiable hunger for power makes them dangerous, capable of taking extreme measures simply to maintain control. According to Sankowsky (1995), narcissistic leaders will lie, betray, and abandon their followers if it serves to preserve their own power. Without empathy, they exploit others without remorse, driven solely by their ego and lust for dominance.
Conclusion
Not by chance, nearly every section above carries the pronoun “I” in its title. For the narcissist, everything begins and ends with the self — an endless admiration of the ego, seeking fulfillment through absolute power. Tragically, in the mirror of life, a narcissist never sees himself as he is, but only as he wants to appear. Here begins his personal tragedy — and, if he becomes a leader, the tragedy of society itself.
