Generally these are 'unhelpful' behaviours that people express when they are stressed and under pressure. More extreme are the personality disorders such as narcissistic and psychopathic personality disorders which are more common than many people realise (it is estimated that approximately 10% of the population have psychopathic tendencies and another 10% have either a borderline or a narcissistic personality disorder).
Whether the individual is expressing highly stressed behaviour or a personality disorder, the negative impact on people and business can be extreme. This is exacerbated by the prevalence of these disorders in people at senior levels in organisations where their power and influence is heightened.
People with these behaviours are generally difficult to work with and to manage. Understanding of these behaviours in the general population is limited. The following article from Psychology Today nicely and clearly explains narcissism at work and provides some accurate and reliable indicators to watch for: Narcissism at Work. If you would like to discuss these behaviours in your business and how we can help get in touch.