This is a continuation of our three-blog series regarding narcissistic leaders. If you haven’t already read the previous two installments, you can read them here: “Is a narcissistic leader a bad leader?” and How to be successful working with a productive narcissistic leader. Michael Maccoby, author of Narcissistic Leaders — a book that definitely broadened our thinking related to leaders — includes in his book an 80-question assessment that you can take to determine your personality type. If you’re a productive narcissistic leader and you want to maximize your impact on the world, we would strongly recommend you find a partner, or what Maccoby calls a “trusted sidekick.” This person needs to understand you, and not want to change you. They need to be strong (sure of themselves, but not arrogant) and, as they say, they must be comfortable in their own skin. They need to share your dream and be very knowledgeable about your business. They need to be able to tell you the truth (and be good at timing this discussion), even when you do not want to hear it.

If it turns out that you’re a productive narcissistic leader, don’t let it intimidate you. You’re in pretty good company with Henry Ford, Herb Kelleher, and Bill Gates. Just follow their examples.