Harvard expert reveals 3 red flags to spot a narcissist boss: 'They are talent hoarders'

Narcissistic bosses are ineffective as leaders, the expert said. (Representational image: Pixabay)

Amy Edmondson is a professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and has, for more than 20 years, pioneered the concept of psychological safety in the workplace. She believes that while it is not uncommon for narcissists to end up in leadership positions, they make ineffectual leaders.

“The essence of being a narcissist is that you’re about yourself, you’re for yourself, and you’re less others-oriented,” she told CNBC Make It. “People who are in a position with a desire to lead others, they need to be others-oriented. That starts with self-awareness.”

Edmondson proceeded to share three signs to spot a narcissistic boss.

1.) They take all the credit for good work but deflect blame

“Narcissistic bosses are likely to take credit for things that go well and to dodge blame for things that don’t or, more specifically, overtly blame others or external circumstances for things that don’t go well,” Edmondson told the publication. "You notice they might be thanking the team but not in a specific way and it doesn’t take long to realize that they are all about themselves."

2.) They don't listen or learn from employees

“It’s natural that they should be doing a lot of explaining and teaching and clarifying goals, but it’s unhealthy and a sign of narcissism if they are doing all the talking which comes at the expense of listening,” Edmondson said. "They do not appear to be listening and learning. Their thinking isn’t visibly being altered by what others are saying.”

3.) They demand constant attention and admiration

“If someone on your team is doing great work, it seems natural to me to be appreciative,” Edmondson told CNBC Make It. “If I praise you, it makes me look good and, if I’m your boss, it makes me look even better. Narcissists don’t see it this way. It’s a lost opportunity.”