What does a Humble Narcissist look like?

Organisational psychologist and Professor at University of Pennsylvania, Adam Grant, talks about the ‘humble narcissist’ being a person having a combination of qualities from both narcissistic and humble leaders. Humble narcissists have grand ambition but don’t feel they are entitled to them. It is an interesting idea.

Many people feel they struggle under the leadership of a narcissist because they don’t take contradiction or judgement well and cannot accept or acknowledge their limitations. The common definition of narcissism sees most people believing narcissists see themselves as special and superior.

In fact, behind the narcissism very often lies cripplingly low self-esteem and even self-doubt. It is for this reason that narcissists will surround themselves with ‘yes people’ who won’t challenge them or expose them. And they will often embark on a campaign to remove anyone who doesn’t conform or submit. This is what makes them a challenge to work with. (I’m thinking of you, Donald Trump!).

Grant also speaks about cultural humility and the idea that hiring on cultural fit being a lack of humility as it suggests the culture is already perfect and doesn’t need challenging. Interesting.

Humility is a valuable trait in a leader. This article is worth a read. If you struggle with a narcissist in your life, this has good information! I’d love to hear your thoughts if you want to share them.