In Greek mythology, the youthful Narcissus was a hunter known for his beauty. He rejected all romantic advances, eventually falling in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and staring at it for the rest of his life. We get our word narcissism – a fixation on one’s self – from him. We know the telltale signs of the personality disorder, marked by grandiosity, excessive need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Unfortunately, we see such traits in a lot of leaders today. Their need for importance is rooted in insecurity. Their critical nature brings negativity in speech and actions. Their arrogance makes introspection impossible. Their fearfulness leads to intimidation. They rule with an iron fist. Such actions can bring initial success, but almost always results in failed leadership.
Can leaders change? Of course they can. But they have to want to be better. They have to see themselves as who they are and who they can be. You don’t have to be a leader to be willing to change. We all need to be better. We need to be the best that we can be.