Burning Bright: The Link Between Narcissistic Leadership and Burnout

Editorial Team
May 21
4 min read

High-performing culture fuels the rise of the driven, dazzling leader. But beneath the glossy facade of some executives lies an inner struggle that silently erodes their wellbeing—and that of their teams.

Many leaders burn bright—until they burn out. Behind the charisma, confidence and commanding presence often lies a fragile inner world driven by a need for approval, perfection and praise. This blend can make narcissistic traits especially combustible in high-powered roles. It’s a pattern rooted in narcissistic traits that, while sometimes propelling individuals up the career ladder, can also lead to burnout at a breathtaking pace.

Narcissism and Burnout: A Hidden Link

Not all narcissists are overtly self-obsessed. In fact, many high-functioning professionals with narcissistic tendencies are deeply insecure beneath their polished poise. They operate from an unconscious belief that unless they are everything on the outside, they are nothing on the inside. This internal void fuels an insatiable need for performance, praise and perfection—three classic precursors to burnout.

A 2023 study published in Personality and Individual Differences revealed a clear link between vulnerable narcissistic traits and emotional exhaustion. Researchers found that such individuals are more prone to burnout, particularly when their emotional needs go unmet. Similarly, a study from the University of Bern found narcissism explains a significant share of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation—two hallmarks of burnout.

Psychologist Dr Joshua Miller, who specialises in narcissism at the University of Georgia, adds:

“Narcissistic individuals often struggle with emotional self-regulation. Their drive for admiration and success can push them to take on more than they can healthily manage—ignoring personal limits until they collapse.”

The Fallout

In the workplace, narcissistic leaders often set impossibly high standards—not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.

Dr Mirriam Prieß, a German physician and expert in burnout and inner resilience, puts it starkly:

“Those who feel like nothing on the inside try to be everything on the outside. They define themselves through superlatives and limitless achievement. They live by the principle: ‘boundaries are there to be broken’.”

What starts as ambition becomes obsession. And because they present themselves as tireless high-achievers, few notice their descent into exhaustion until it’s too late.

Dr Birgit Schyns, Professor of People & Organisations at NEOMA Business School, notes:

“During times of stress, narcissistic leaders don’t just burn out themselves—they strain entire teams. Their leadership becomes erratic. They stop offering guidance and start assigning blame.”

Large corporations can absorb this to some extent—often by rotating executives every few years. But smaller organisations are more vulnerable, especially when one individual holds too much power, with too little self-awareness.

Signs It’s Time to Stop and Reflect

Burnout doesn’t erupt overnight. It sneaks in, phase by phase:

1. Alarm Phase – The body’s first stress signals: irritability, anxiety, disrupted sleep.

2. Resistance Phase – Pushing through fatigue, staying late, skipping breaks.

3. Exhaustion Phase – Energy drops, performance dips, emotions become numb.

4. Withdrawal Phase – Social retreat, absence, or a complete shutdown.

In teams led by narcissistic personalities, it’s not uncommon for high-performers to silently shoulder more and more until they snap. They begin taking the odd sick day, losing concentration, and pulling away from colleagues. Often, they do this in secret to preserve the illusion of competence.

Dr Prieß warns:

“Many only seek help once nothing works anymore. But the longer you wait, the harder and longer the road to recovery. Take a break—but only as long as necessary, not as long as possible. The longer you step out of life, the harder it is to return.”

From Collapse to Clarity: What Can Be Done

A growing number of psychologists and leadership coaches are calling for a new standard of self-reflection at the top.

Michael Maccoby, the late Harvard psychoanalyst, described narcissistic leaders as “productive visionaries” whose fatal flaw is their lack of empathy. In his view, such leaders often inspire innovation—but their emotional blind spots can dismantle morale and trust.

So how can we intervene early?

• Self-checks: Leaders should regularly assess whether they’re leading with people or merely at them. Are you commanding, or connecting?

• Authentic dialogue: Real conversations happen at eye-level. Dr Prieß explains:

“True dialogue means being open to the other. You don’t have to agree, but you must be present.”

• Professional help: Leaders showing signs of burnout should be gently encouraged to seek support.

If they resist, organisations must act before the damage spreads. Pulling someone from a project temporarily can prevent team-wide exhaustion.

• Preventive culture: Normalise mental wellbeing in leadership training. Build systems that reward reflection, not just results.

Closing Thoughts: Leadership Without the Mask

Burnout rooted in narcissistic patterns is both a personal and organisational issue. When unresolved feelings of inadequacy are masked by achievement, the eventual crash is only a matter of time. But with early awareness, meaningful dialogue, and a commitment to wellbeing—not just winning—leaders can heal.

The most successful leaders aren’t those who never fall. They’re the ones who learn to rise with grace and groundedness.

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