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Toxic Traits, Higher Pay: The Real Reason Narcissists Thrive in Business
Imagine walking into your office and spotting that one coworker who seems to have it all: the high salary, the corner office, and the admiration of the higher-ups. However, there’s something off — this individual appears to lack empathy and with a closer look it seems that this individual is generally quick to take responsibility for others’ work. Look even closer, and this individual seems to have a dark, toxic cloud surrounding him. Is the secret to their success?
In the corporate world, it’s an obvious fact that some people ascend the stepping ladder of success quicker than others. Yet, imagine a scenario in which toxic characteristics like self-centeredness and psychopathy, frequently considered dim and bothersome, are assisting certain individuals with succeeding. That’s right, traits like those of a narcissism or psychopathy, which often are seen as dark and undesirable, are helping some people succeed? Recent research by organizational psychologists suggests that these dark traits might actually be an advantage in business settings.
In this article, we will explore why people with these personalities often earn more and rise to leadership roles quicker, leaving the rest of us wondering — do you need to be toxic to thrive in corporate spaces?
