This document discusses toxic leadership caused by narcissism. It defines narcissistic personality traits like being egotistical, manipulative, and unwilling to accept criticism. When these traits become extreme and affect work, they can damage morale and effectiveness. Examples are given of narcissistic military leaders who yell at subordinates, take credit from others, and are unable to accept responsibility for failures. In contrast, the concept of "Level 5 Leaders" from the book "Good to Great" is introduced, describing humble leaders who give credit to others and prioritize the success of their organization over their own ego or public image.

1. Toxic Leadership
By: Terry Hill

2. Narcissism Defined
Narcissistic individuals tend to be egotistical, manipulative, self-seeking and
exploitative. Narcissists do not accept suggestions from others. Doing so might make them
appear weak, which conflicts with their need for self-enhancement. Some narcissists have such
an inflated self-confidence that they do not believe that others have anything useful to say to
them. They also take more credit than they deserve, often at the expense of taking credit for
the contributions of coworkers and subordinates. Conversely, they avoid taking responsibility for
shortcomings and failures. Narcissistic individuals often are influential in group settings because
they have such conviction in the worth of their ideas that others tend to believe them and
follow.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Two Types of leaders
1. Looks across the formation when everything is going well and looks in the
mirror when things are going poorly.
2. Looks across the formation when everything is going poorly and looks in the
mirror when things are going well.

3. Narcissism
It is too simplistic to imply that all narcissistic
behaviors are inevitably toxic. However, when narcissism
becomes a disorder (like alcoholism, drug
addiction, and depression), the results hurt morale
and group effectiveness and can potentially lead to
disaster.
Signs of a leader being narcissistic to the detriment of a unit include:
• Being a poor listener
• Being overly sensitive to criticism
• Taking advantage of others to achieve one’s own goals
• Lacking empathy or disregarding the feelings of others
• Having excessive feelings of self-importance(arrogance)
• Exaggerating achievements or talents
• Needing constant attention and admiration
• Reacting to criticism with rage, shame, or humiliation
• Being preoccupied with success or power

4. Narcissism Examples
• A Colonel (Division Chief of Staff) addressed a Major after the Major reported
to the Colonel while the Major’s immediate supervisor, a Lieutenant Colonel,
was unavailable. “Get the ___ out of my office!” he said. “There is nothing that a
Major in the U.S. Army can tell me that I don’t already know!”
• After taking command, a Major was caught cheating off of a WO1 during a No
Notice AR 95-1 test. When confronted, he got belligerent and said “no one
would believe you.” He was chronically late to all meetings and if the Company
didn’t call the room to attention fast enough, he would yell, “I will come back
when you are ready” and storm off. He would yell at the staff and fellow
Company Commanders during Command and Staff for minutia issues.
Additionally, the same individual would shut his door, take naps throughout the
day and work on his Masters program. Lastly, he would put himself on leave to
complete his Graduate degree and be upset if anyone tried to brief him on major
Company events.

5. Level 5 Leaders
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Level 5 Leader
• They are self-confident enough to set up their successors
for success.
• They are humble and modest.
• They have "unwavering resolve."
• They display a "workmanlike diligence - more plow horse
than show horse."
• They give credit to others for their success and take full
responsibility for poor results. They "attribute much of
their success to 'good luck' rather than personal
greatness.“