ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes much of the psychodynamic literature that attempts to make sense out of people’s willingness to surrender both discernment and morality to a powerful, autocratic other. As was true of Chapter 1, the brief literature review that is provided better enables the reader to appreciate the seminal contributions various clinicians working in the field have made to an appreciation of the leader-follower relationship. The author then proceeds to articulate his understanding of the leader-follower relationship which his model of malignant narcissism generates, much of which owes its roots to the work that others have done. Characteristics of the malignantly narcissistic leader personality, which allows this personality to insinuate itself into a position of power, are considered. So, too, are the characteristics of followers who cleave to toxic leadership. The costs that followers must bear as they allow themselves to be seduced by pathological leaders are examined in some depth.
