New studies are shedding light on the way narcissistic leaders are able to maintain power despite the fact that their conduct produces toxic, stressful workplaces.
Individuals high in narcissistic tendencies tend to desire constant attention, control conversations, and care little about how others feel. They might be charming today and brutal the next. How is it then that these individuals manage to climb to the pinnacle and get everyone to follow them?
Why It's Important to Understand Toxic Narcissists
A 2025 study conducted by Mei Kei Leong and her colleagues at Taylor's University in Malaysia examined the impact of narcissistic personalities on leadership and workplace behavior.
Narcissistic leaders tend to be fueled by the desire for admiration and power. Their confidence and enthusiasm can appear as seizmic leadership potential initially but when overdone, these same traits become arrogance and manipulation.
If you’ve ever worked under someone who always puts their interests above the team’s or constantly demands praise, you’ve probably seen this kind of toxic leadership up close.
What Drives a Narcissistic Leader
The researchers identified two main psychological theories that help explain the mindset of narcissistic leaders:
1. Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
Individuals are happiest when they are independent, attached, and feeling accomplished. Narcissistic bosses pursue admiration and rewards, however. Their self-esteem relies on approval from others, and as a result, they frequently prioritize their own needs and disregard those of the people around them.
2. Trait Activation Theory (TAT)
This perspective proposes that there are some situations that "activate" personality traits. In narcissists, the desire to be admired or to vanquish enemies remains dormant until an opportunity for challenge arises then the self-aggrandizing and hostile tendencies surface.
Combined, these drives can result in unethical or "deviant" behavior like bullying, revenge, or rule-bending to save face.
What the Research Found
Leong's group examined 313 adults aged 21 to 61. They assessed narcissistic admiration (the need for being loved and admired), narcissistic rivalry (the need to compete and dominate others), and self-serving in the workplace.
Their findings revealed that narcissistic rivalry rather than admiration had the most significant association with toxic leadership. When their power is challenged, narcissistic leaders tend to become defensive and aggressive, attempting to "defend their grand self-image.
These actions can hurt trust, compromise moral values, and create negativity within an organization. When leaders violate the rules for self-interest, it communicates that integrity is not important and others begin to do the same.
Handling A Narcissistic Leader
So, what can you do if you find yourself working under such a leader?
The study implies that although narcissistic individuals seem confident and successful, their success tends to rely on silencing other people. Tactfully and professionally speaking up when you witness manipulative or unethical actions may sometimes avoid the worsening of the situation.
If confrontation is not an option, prioritize defending your own emotional and mental space. Establish boundaries, do not feed their desire for validation, and maintain connections with healthy people outside the toxic situation.
And if the narcissist is a public figure, such as a political figure, the best action might be by action like voting, activism, or supporting causes that align with your values.
Final Thoughts
It's easy to feel helpless under the rule of a narcissistic leader, but knowing what makes them tick can give you power back. Recall: their demand for admiration and control is not about you, it's about their insecurity.
By being assertive and prioritizing your own development, you can transcend the toxicity and be at peace in areas where empathy and respect are still valued.