The author is a psychiatrist with broad experience in counseling narcissistic leaders. Throughout history narcissists have always emerged to inspire people and to shape the future. Freud recognized that there is a dark side to narcissism. Narcissists are emotionally isolated and highly distrustful. Perceived threats can trigger rage.
Achievements can feed feelings of grandiosity.
Leaders such as Jack Welch and George Soros are examples of productive narcissists. They are gifted and creative strategists who see the big picture and find meaning in the risky challenge of changing the world and leaving behind a legacy. Indeed, one reason we look to productive narcissists in times of great transition is that they have the audacity to push through the massive transformations that society periodically undertakes. The danger is that narcissism can turn unproductive when, lacking self-knowledge and restraining anchors, narcissists become unrealistic dreamers. They nurture grand schemes and harbor the illusion that only circumstances or enemies block their success.