In the world of leadership, especially with narcissistic leaders, there’s a tendency for them to surround themselves with what psychologists refer to as “flying monkeys.” These individuals, often enablers, play a pivotal role in upholding the narcissist’s power by defending their actions, deflecting criticism, and silencing dissent. It’s not that flying monkeys are always narcissists themselves—they are often individuals who lack the insight or courage to challenge the authority they serve. Instead, they prioritize loyalty and self-preservation over accountability or moral alignment.
This psychological dynamic isn’t just confined to personal relationships—it extends to leadership on all levels, including executive and political arenas. When leaders rely on flying monkeys to maintain their image, dissenting voices are marginalized, and critical dialogue is stifled. This can result in decision-making that is misaligned with core values like integrity, fairness, and compassion.
At this moment in history, we are seeing a wave of executive decisions that feel disconnected from the principles of good humanity. More than ever, it’s crucial to understand the psychological roots of these behaviors—not to label or box people in, but to seek clarity and identify the driving forces behind such actions.
By seeking to understand, we can go beyond surface-level judgments and delve into the characteristics and origins of this behavior. Doing so equips us to recognize the dynamics at play, question decisions that don’t align with shared values, and hold leadership accountable.
Understanding is not about oversimplifying—it’s about peeling back the layers to get to the root.
At a time when humanity feels divided and overwhelmed by decisions that seem to disregard collective well-being, striving for clarity and awareness is our most powerful tool for change.
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