As a coach who works primarily in the executive sector, I often have to deal with people who generally pass as so-called narcissists. A difficult personality style, you might think, and not just since Trump & Co. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, I would like to take up the cudgels for narcissists in the "non-negatively focussed area", as one thing is particularly important: the strength of the personality. It is important to realise that there is rare agreement in scientific psychology that personality traits should not be pigeonholed, but rather viewed as a continuum. In other words, people cannot be typecast.
Energy vampires harm themselves and others
Narcissists also come in various degrees of intensity - from mild to moderate, with more positive characteristics. Anything above this is associated with negative traits. Rainer Sachse's model features the so-called double self-concept, which is used to explain the psychological components of the personality disorder. Double, because on the one hand it assigns the narcissist (m/f/d, by the way - everything is represented, even if in my experience there are more males) a strong self-confidence and self-esteem, but on the other hand he has great doubts about his own competence. Both feelings inhibit each other. The fear of not being good enough leads to putting oneself under too much pressure or exploiting others, usually employees or colleagues. In short: the negatively focussed narcissist becomes an energy vampire, both towards himself and others.
With a firm footing for career advancement
The degree of activity varies. Narcissists, as they are often publicly and stereotypically viewed, are generally those who display the clearly pronounced negative variant. If the mild to moderately pronounced version predominates, the positive characteristics are more apparent and minor self-doubt, which runs like a second soundtrack in the background, ensures that the person remains grounded. This enables the person to move out of their own comfort zone, dare to try new things, move forward and at the same time practise self-criticism. The latter helps to avoid overstepping the mark and putting oneself in risky or overwhelming situations. A good combination, because it can certainly be beneficial for career advancement.
A great resource
Basically, narcissistic personalities are always in search of recognition. And because they will do anything to get it, they are more performance-orientated, more willing to take risks and more persistent than others. Characteristics that are the cornerstones of success in our society - perhaps that is also one reason why I really love working with these people. In my work, I support many narcissistic people in understanding and accepting themselves. I work out the individual assumptions that lead to the personality being too strong, reduce or dissolve them and thus get the narcissist to use their personality style as a great resource.