A New Study Finds Leadership Often Attracts ‘Dark’ Personality Traits

Researchers examined how traits like narcissism and Machiavellianism influence who seeks power—and how they lead.

BY KIT EATON @KITEATON

Illustration: Inc; Photo: Getty Images

We’ve all worked for different managers and leaders who have different styles and personalities—some friendly, some more strict, others with a teamwork mentality, a few with a dominant “get this done” attitude. Now a new study shines a spotlight on leadership traits and personality types, and it has some fascinating—if a little dark—implications for workers and leaders alike. It turns out that the word “Machiavellian” might apply to many people who are keen to lead.

The psychology researchers were examining what’s called the “dark triad,” a blend of three distinct personality traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism. As Phys.org notes, these psychological patterns have long been linked to workers’ behavior at work and their preferences for how they lead other people. But what’s been lacking is detailed insight into how each of these traits can shape someone’s interest in pursuing particular types of career and their leadership style. As the........

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