Teamwork can significantly influence both positive and negative outcomes in professional settings. Collaborative efforts often require individuals to share ideas and coordinate actions effectively. However, strong personalities, particularly those characterized by narcissism, can complicate these dynamics.
A recent study investigated the effects of grandiose narcissism—defined as an inflated self-view—on teamwork. Rather than relying on traditional surveys, researchers observed over 100 participants engaged in commercial escape rooms, where they raced against the clock to solve puzzles together.
Psychologists differentiate between two aspects of grandiose narcissism. The first, narcissistic admiration, reflects a charming and confident demeanor that tends to attract others. The second, narcissistic rivalry, embodies a more defensive and combative attitude, quick to perceive threats to one”s status. Both aspects serve to protect a grandiose self-image, albeit in contrasting ways. This research aimed to discern which aspect facilitates or hinders teamwork under pressure.
During the escape room experiment, participants formed small teams, most of whom met for the first time. After an initial ice-breaking activity, they entered a jungle-themed escape room, tasked with finding clues to escape within 60 minutes. Success hinged on effective communication, trust, and problem-solving—elements crucial for real-world teamwork.
Before and after the challenge, players assessed themselves and one another on traits such as likability, empathy, and confidence. This provided insight into how first impressions held up under stress. Additionally, the study measured the two dimensions of narcissism—admiration and rivalry—as well as team cohesion, conflict levels, and the actual success rate in escaping the room.
The results were illuminating. Teams with high levels of narcissistic rivalry experienced poorer performance, making approximately one-third less progress in the escape challenge. These teams solved fewer puzzles, reported diminished unity, and expressed heightened frustration. The underlying issue was clear: rivalry eroded team cohesion, the essential bond that drives collective effort. Under stress, individuals exhibiting rivalrous traits tended to withdraw, dismiss team suggestions, or withhold information, ultimately slowing group progress.
On the other hand, the admiration aspect of narcissism presented a more seductive narrative. Those exhibiting narcissistic admiration appeared confident and likable, initially boosting team morale. However, as the task progressed, team members began to perceive them as increasingly arrogant and less empathetic. This dynamic illustrates a common workplace scenario: an initially impressive self-promoter may ultimately frustrate colleagues as the project unfolds.
In contemporary work settings, collaboration is paramount, with hybrid meetings and agile teams becoming the norm. Yet, confidence and self-promotion are frequently mistaken for actual competence. The research underscores that misplaced confidence can subtly undermine trust, creativity, and overall performance.
As organizations reevaluate leadership and teamwork in the post-pandemic landscape, crucial questions emerge: Are we prioritizing charisma over genuine collaboration? Are those labeled “team players” actually focusing on their individual agendas? The solution does not lie in sidelining confident individuals but rather in valuing good listeners alongside assertive speakers. Leaders who emphasize only assertiveness may inadvertently cultivate rivalry rather than cooperation.
Creating psychologically safe teams, where members feel free to express themselves without fear of ridicule, can help mitigate the damaging effects of narcissism. Interestingly, team-building activities, such as escape rooms, often reveal the dynamics of dominance, support, and disengagement among participants. These moments provide deeper insights into teamwork than traditional personality assessments.
The escape room setting offered a unique perspective on narcissism in action, as participants could not hide behind screens or curate their images. Every decision, glance, and interruption occurred in real time, highlighting a clear message: rivalry breeds isolation, while admiration may impress initially but ultimately fades. The most successful teams were not the loudest but those that maintained cohesion, effective communication, and generosity, even under pressure.
