Narcissism can be a job magnet
Where
The narcissists among us may have fewer friends but they have a better chance at nailing a job or outdoing others. A new study says narcissists stand a chance of scoring much higher than non- narcissists in interviews. Researchers at the University of NebraskaLincoln attribute the narcissists’ success to their exceptional selfpromotion skills and their comfort with speaking at length, particularly about themselves.
It’s no secret that to get ahead in life people love to big themselves up, but for narcissists it’s inherent and natural to come across as confident and exciting. However, it’s not such a rosy picture in the long run. Is narcissism good or does it reflect mental/ intellectual vacuity?
There is a fine line dividing selfconfidence, self- esteem, selfrespect and narcissism. When the line gets blurred, you step into the territory of narcissism. A narcissist wouldn’t need fans as he is a one- person fan army with ample self- confidence. In fact, many creative people are
Narcissism is good in moderation. It’s better than being modest about one’s success
narcissists; they love themselves, their work and their solitude.
Communication specialist Oswald Pereira feels there’s nothing wrong with being a narcissist. He says, “Narcissists have substance. They are great workers because they are always trying to better themselves. The more feathers in their cap, the greater they feel and the more their narcissism prospers. They love the world and the competition it brings on the table.”
HR consultant Prithvi Sood feels that in a way it makes sense since the interviewers like to hear what the interviewees can offer them and what they are good at. He adds, “Since they are confident, good at public speaking and sell themselves well, getting a job is a cakewalk for them. However, it gets tricky when they have to deal with their team. Their ego is big, they are not flexible and they tend to feel they are always correct. It’s not that they won’t take criticism. It’s just that they won’t believe that anyone can criticise them. They also assume that they deserve more than others because they are the best. Narcissism is good in moderation. It’s better than being modest about one’s achievements. But when it becomes overconfidence, it’s worrisome.”
Designer Puja Duggal calls narcissism a personality disorder because self- obsessed people have a flawed perception about the world and about themselves.
Dr Chandra Nisha Singh, associate professor of English, Delhi University, comes across many self- engrossed students everyday. She says, “Narcissism can’t make you a better or more successful person. The initial impression is going to wear off and the obsessions with self are going to gall. In fact, substance in the real sense drives out self- obsession. Their worldview is certainly lopsided. They may sell themselves better but the seasoned interviewer would know the problems associated with the package.”