There is no doubt that leader's today hold a position of higher esteem than those in a similar role ten years ago. This sharpened and polished image equips a leader with great respect, power and responsibility...so much so that many executives hold the reins with a personality disorder known as narcissism.

Narcissism is a psychological condition which stems from low self-esteem. People with this behavioural pattern find it difficult to balance the way that they think with the way that others think and feel. As a result, they become defensive with people in an attempt to save their ego. This is done by over-inflating and distorting facts so as a disagreement always winds up with them as the victim.

Parents who raise children with excessive praise, spoiling or overindulgence are more likely to have a son or daughter with narcissism. In contrast, these tendencies can also appear in families where children were under indulged or were not offered any form of discipline. These individuals grow up with an unrealistic view of life and expect this form of idolization to continue in the adult world...when it doesn't, they use narcissistic tactics to protect themselves.

The word narcissism dates back to Greek mythology. A handsome young lad by the name of Narcissus took a shine to his own reflection in a lake and pined away for the image he had seen but could never touch. This shows that narcissists thrive on their own self-image and will manipulate others to see things the same way as them so as they can feel confident within.

People with narcissistic thoughts should consider exploring their personality via the many therapies which are now available, including psychoanalysis. Through a careful training program, they will learn how to eliminate these feelings of alienation, anger and over dramatised thoughts.

Let's take as an example a CEO who often lost his temper with staff. The psychotherapist asked him to keep a detailed log of his dreams. Upon careful analysis it was revealed that during his childhood, he constantly felt unappreciated by his cold-hearted father. Therefore, he constantly sought praise from his team...when this wasn't continually being given he would lose his temper. Once this narcissistic tendency was revealed to him, he was able to recognise those feelings of anger and express his concerns in a calm and composed order. Leaders who are prepared to seek help are able to leave those binding insecurities behind and reveal their humorous, light-hearted and softer side.

Leaders can bring some good qualities and bad...on the plus side, they are able to see the bigger picture and have a vivid view of what they want to achieve. They can attract followers using their unique choice of words which are smothered in a layer or two of charisma plus they are not afraid of changing the rules to achieve what they want.

With a team of subordinates who will dance to their tune; they are highly equipped to do well. Whilst this can create a wonderful boost for their self-esteem, it does very little for the productivity of a business. Their life can appear as one constant drama which makes them appear exciting to be around. When they see a positive vision for the future, they can transform people into believing the impossible.

Creativity and narcissism also go well together. Many creative people are hungry for attention and show very little concern for the ideas of others. They believe that they have been blessed and that their creations are far superior to anyone else's. Picasso displayed this behaviour with his paintings. Although his talent spoke for itself, he could not help but declare "I am God". This is the reason why many narcissists enter the field of business and art. They rarely listen to the advice of others and always insist that they know best. They take criticism very badly and have very little thought for others.

As a leader, they appear to be committed to the company but in reality, they are really only committed to their own issues. This means that a company will be run to suit the interests of the narcissist rather than the company as a whole. Narcissistic leaders stay firm to their own introverted views of how to progress and will stride forward ruthlessly in pursuit of victory, stamping on anyone who gets in the way.

Within the workplace narcissistic people are normally found in management positions upwards. They are difficult to work with because they constantly have a defence mechanism in place to avoid feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness and inferiority. Therefore, they seek to bully every subordinate who should question their views in any way. This power is the fuel which keeps the narcissist running...without it, such an individual is exposed to their vulnerability where these deep insecurities do their utmost damage.

If this type of behaviour is allowed to continue, a division will form amongst employees. The narcissist will gather his own posse and will continue to seek those whom he can convert to his doctrine. This creates an emotionally hazardous work environment for anyone who should dare to dispute an issue as life will be made very difficult.

Employees tread on very dangerous ground as it is a natural instinct to want to impress a superior but narcissists have a very jealous streak and will react aggressively if there is an inkling that someone may be more talented than them. Mr Nice Guy can turn into Mr Not So Nice Guy in a matter of seconds and some of the tactics used to control a situation where a narcissist may feel threatened are side taking, character assassination, intimidation and anger.

The person in firing line will be subject to name calling, being spoken down to and even subjected to the silent treatment. This will cause emotional erosion within the workplace as the office will turn into a pressure cooker of stress and tension. If allowed to continue, these feelings of hostility will spread from one staff member to another like a cancer throughout the workplace. It takes just one narcissistic person to put the cat amongst the pigeons...

If a narcissistic leader is challenged and made answerable for unacceptable behaviour, any accusations will immediately be denied and replaced with a million and one excuses as to why this behaviour was misinterpreted. The leader will act as the victim and re-write history with a fictitious version of events, recalling the past in a completely different way as to how it actually happened...remember, these people are pathological liars who truly believe what they dream up.

There will always be an excuse or they will blame others for any misgivings, this is often shown by projecting their own shortcomings onto others as a way of defending themselves. They will not remain loyal to anyone, even those who have been faithful servants to their needs and will use every trick in the book to make themselves look good, even if it means stabbing a devoted colleague in the back. Many liken their behaviour to that of a spoilt four year old who reacts with an adult version of a child's tantrum.

So how do you spot a narcissist leader?

He or she will be the one who displays haughty body language, demands praise and forms a close bond with those who praise and admire back. They view themselves very highly and expect others to see them in the same light. They require constant attention and a continuous stream of admiration. They are preoccupied with their own lives and have little concern for the problems of others. Patterns of certain behaviours will become more and more apparent over time and they will make everyone within their presence feel miserable.

Appear helpful: You know that it is only a matter of time before the going will get tough so keep your head down and help in whatever way you can. If you make life easier for the narcissist, you can have a bit of peace...even though you know it will not last.

Accept the fact that whatever you do, it will not be appreciated: If you are humble enough to do a lot of the dirty work but not reap any of the praise, go for it. Remember, you will not be given credit for anything and the narcissist will always take the praise for any idea or suggestion.

Form a tough skin: As far as the narcissist is concerned, you are someone who is there to be taken advantage of...you will not be seen as a human being and your life will be unimportant. You are merely there to boost the ego...If you can give without receiving, contribute your time willingly.

Don't expect anything and you will not be disappointed: If you think that you will be appreciated for your efforts, walk away now. If you are looking for a friend, you will be better off buying a dog!

Don't touch a nerve: If you know that a subject is touchy, avoid it like the plague or you will become a victim of your leader's narcissistic anger. If you want to touch on a subject, do it such a way as to mention observations and interpretations according to your way of seeing things. This gives the narcissist room to make changes which will save face.

Some no no's are phrases which start with the following: "I think you forgot to...made an error... you don't know...did you know...as you were not here yesterday you...you should not...you must not...you must (this is considered an order from someone else and prohibits a narcissists sense of freedom)...I (remember you are not a separate entity, you are there solely to stroke their ego).

Expect the worst...A narcissist will never admit a mistake so it is futile to become embroiled in an argument. It is far easier to find another job than to give such an individual the satisfaction of sacking you.

Give some sympathy: Although narcissistic leaders will appear to be on top of everything, this is merely just a guise and deep down these people are deeply troubled. By offering a bit of tea and sympathy, you can go home every evening knowing that you are able to walk away. Indulge them a little: We all know that narcissists love to talk about themselves, so allow your team leader some time to prattle on...after all; it is not possible that you could have anything better to do!

Look amazed...Display complete and utter awe at the things which matter to your leader. By doing so, you will stay on the good side for just that little bit longer.

If you suspect that your team leader is displaying these signs, proceed with caution. This person may well be a wolf in sheep's clothing and one step out of place could cause mayhem.

It may well be that you can spot days and times when your narcissist leader has a behavioural trend. For example, if there are signs of grouchiness on a Monday morning, keep a distance. If things look more positive on a Friday afternoon, then this might be the time to approach with some tactful suggestions. Perhaps you can identify the things which trigger a good response, maybe your leader responds well to flattery? If so, take advantage...the same applies to knowledge, upbringing, humour or even manners. If you can find a way to correspond on your leader's level, use it wisely. By careful management skills, you could actually survive a highly toxic workplace but you will always be living on your nerves.