Assessing Leaders at a DistanceThe Narcissist in PowerIt is probably not an exaggeration to state that if narcissistic charac-
ters were stripped from the ranks of public figures, the ranks would
be significantly thinned.^5 The label narcissism covers a broad range of
behaviors. At the healthiest end of the narcissistic spectrum are ego-
tistical individuals with extreme self-confidence. But primitive nar-
cissism, so-called malignant narcissism, represents an extremely
severe and dangerous personality disorder, which, in addition to
extreme self-absorption with an incapacity to empathize with others,
is characterized by a paranoid outlook, absence of conscience, and
willingness to use whatever aggression is necessary to accomplish
personal goals.
The following information summarizes the clinical description of
the narcissistic personality disorder as delineated in DSM-IV, the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA 1994). A
number of the features described have obvious relevance to the deci-
sion making and behavior of political leaders.
The essential features of the narcissistic personality disorder are
the following: a grandiose sense of self-importance or uniqueness;
preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success; exhibitionistic
need for constant attention and admiration; characteristic responses
to threats to self-esteem; and characteristic disturbances in interper-
sonal relationships, such as lack of empathy, entitlement, interper-
sonal exploitiveness, and relationships that vacillate between the
extremes of overidealization and devaluation.
The exaggerated sense of self-importance tends to be manifested
as extreme self-centeredness, egocentricity, and self-absorption.
Abilities and achievements tend to be unrealistically overestimated,
but minor setbacks can give a sense of special unworthiness.
There is a preoccupation with fantasies involving unrealistic
goals. These goals may include achieving unlimited power, wealth,
brilliance, beauty, or fame. These fantasies frequently substitute for
realistic activity in pursuit of success. Even when the goals are
satisfied, it is usually not enough; there is a driven quality to the
ambitions that cannot be satisfied.
There is a constant search for admiration and attention and more
concern with appearance than substance. This quality too is insa-