Are Narcissists Successful in Business? 12 Traits of a Narcissist That Lead to Success

You might have noticed that many successful entrepreneurs and leaders share some traits often linked to narcissism, which is a personality disorder.

And that raises the question: are narcissists more likely to succeed in business?

The answer is a bit tricky. Sure, narcissistic traits can create challenges in personal relationships and teamwork, but they also come with perks like strong self-confidence, charm, and a fierce drive to succeed. So, it’s a bit of a balancing act.

In this article, we’ll explore 12 traits of a narcissist that can drive personal achievement, influence leadership, and shape professional relationships.

12 Traits of a Narcissist That Lead to Success in Business

The following are the main 12 traits of a narcissist that lead to success in business. While they may be controversial personally, they provide significant advantages in leadership and entrepreneurship.

So, let’s dive in!

1. Lack of empathy

Narcissists are willing to do anything to achieve their goals, even if it means stepping on others or using unethical methods. Their toxic behaviors manifest without guilt to prioritize their personal needs and desires. 

They may employ various tactics, such as taking credit for other people’s work, obstructing colleagues to get ahead, bending the rules to their advantage, and manipulating situations to ensure they come out on top.

Gaslighting is another weapon in their arsenal. They distort the truth and manipulate perceptions to enhance their image while undermining their competitors.

Additionally, narcissists in business may exploit their relationships and connections for personal growth, with little regard for the well-being of others.

However, their lack of empathy can lead to initial success but can also result in their downfall. It fosters a toxic work environment that damages their reputation and leads to unsustainable short-term gains.

2. Risk-Taking and Decision-Making

Narcissists tend to be more willing to take risks than others.

This tendency may arise from a strong desire for attention and external validation, as well as the need to prove their superiority to others.

They also tend to have an exaggerated sense of self-confidence and may believe they are unbeatable. This mindset leads them to take risks without fully considering the potential consequences.

However, this trait can be advantageous in business, enabling them to seize opportunities others may overlook or shy away from.

For example, a narcissistic entrepreneur might invest heavily in an untested product. While this can go wrong, it may also result in significant gains or market dominance, highlighting their ability to seize opportunities others consider too risky.

3. Networking and Relationship Building

Another factor among the 12 traits of a narcissist that contributes to their success in business is their ability to network and develop superficial relationships.

They have traits like charm, confidence, and charisma that work well in social situations.

They are also skilled at presenting themselves in a favorable light and making a strong first impression. That makes it even easier for them to develop meaningful relationships.

Plus, narcissists focus on cultivating relationships with influential people, positioning themselves as valuable assets. They know how to make them feel important and appreciated, inspiring collaboration to help achieve their goals.

Finally, narcissists have a talent for understanding what people want and need. This skill allows them to adapt their behavior and present themselves in a way that resonates with others, enhancing their negotiation and deal-making skills for better outcomes.

Yet, since narcissists will exploit their connections for personal growth, this behavior can cause strained relationships and a negative reputation.

4. Confidence and Charisma

As we noted earlier, narcissists possess a strong sense of self-confidence. They believe in their abilities and don’t let setbacks or failures get them down.

This confidence also manifests as charisma, which can be attractive to potential clients, investors, and business partners.

With that mix of charm and confidence, they can easily influence and persuade others, making them effective leaders.

5. Ambition 

Narcissists are incredibly driven and often set ambitious goals for themselves.

Their intense ambition keeps them focused on success, motivating them to pursue their objectives with remarkable intensity—even if it comes at the cost of other priorities.

When it comes to business decisions, investments, or innovative ideas, they aren’t afraid to think big. They adopt calculated risks, challenge conventions, and push healthy boundaries, convinced that bold moves will yield greater rewards.

This fearless mindset can lead to significant breakthroughs and opportunities that others might hesitate to pursue, further fueling their relentless quest for unlimited success.

6. Superiority and entitlement

Narcissists see themselves as more capable and knowledgeable than others. This unrealistic sense of superiority gives them the confidence to make bold decisions without second-guessing themselves, leading to innovative ideas and quick progress.

They believe they are above the rules, feeling entitled to prioritize outcomes over ethical considerations. They may justify unethical or arrogant behaviors by persuading themselves that they are worthy of special treatment or that they are different or above criticism.

However, while this may yield short-term gains, it can also foster a toxic work environment and result in long-term issues for the organization.

7. Visionary Thinking

Narcissists have a remarkable ability to see the big picture and possess a grand vision of what success means to them. This perspective allows them to set long-term goals that extend beyond immediate challenges, navigating complex situations with confidence.

Their visionary thinking also fosters a strong sense of purpose, collecting teams and stakeholders around a shared mission. That can lead to innovative strategies and initiatives that align with their overarching goals.

On top of that, their passion for their vision drives them to communicate it effectively, generating excitement and buy-in from others. 

However, it’s important to note that their focus on their vision can sometimes overshadow the input and ideas of others, potentially repressing collaboration in the long run.

8. Competitive Nature

Narcissists thrive in competitive environments due to their intense desire to win. This drive motivates them to outperform peers and seize market opportunities, constantly seeking ways to excel.

Their willingness to use aggressive tactics—such as assertive negotiation and bold risk-taking—helps them secure their place and advance their careers. 

This competitive edge is especially advantageous in fields like sales, finance, and entrepreneurship, where assertiveness and decisiveness are highly valued. In these industries, their competitive nature can lead to significant achievements, rapid promotions, and recognition.

9. Persuasiveness 

Narcissists present their ideas in a way that makes others feel like they have a meaningful role to play. They highlight how their plans can benefit not only themselves but also their teams, clients, or even society at large.

This appeal to a higher purpose can motivate others to invest their time and energy in supporting the narcissist’s goals.

Plus, their persuasive skills come into play during negotiations and marketing, making them effective at building support and encouraging collaboration.

10. Excessive attention to Image

Narcissists carefully curate their public persona, enhancing their brand and reputation.

They put a lot of effort into creating a polished and appealing image, which helps them make strong first impressions. This can build their credibility and open new opportunities—whether in networking, client meetings, or interviews.

Their ability to manage perceptions positions them favorably in competitive environments.

11. Manipulative Skills

Manipulative skills significantly benefit narcissists in business by allowing them to deceive, control, and exploit others for personal growth.

Some examples include:

• Gaslighting: Distorting the truth to confuse and manipulate others.
• Playing the Victim: Shift the focus away from their shortcomings and manipulate others into supporting them.
• Selective Disclosure: They share information selectively, revealing just enough to gain trust while withholding details that might expose their true intentions.

However, these tactics often result in toxic environments and damaged relationship dynamics over time.

12. Self-promotion and Branding

Narcissists put a lot of effort into creating a strong personal brand that showcases their achievements, expertise, and unique qualities. This helps them to stand out and attract constant attention and opportunities.

They exaggerate accomplishments and project an image of success to manipulate perceptions and gain advantages in business. 

They also use platforms like social media or professional networks to share their successes, enhancing their credibility and positioning them as thought leaders.

Conclusion

The 12 traits of a narcissist can certainly open doors to success in business. 

However, there’s a flip side: their lack empathy, manipulative behaviors, and sense of entitlement can lead to toxic work environments and damaged relationships. 

So, while these 12 traits of a narcissist can drive personal achievements and boost leadership potential, they also come with significant long-term challenges for both the individual and the organization.