Narcissists seek power without responsibility by exploiting others for their own gain, manipulating situations to maintain control, and avoiding accountability for their actions.
Narcissists crave admiration, validation, and dominance, but they are unwilling to take on the responsibilities and consequences that come with true leadership or authority.
Instead, they shift blame onto others, deflect criticism, and use charm and manipulation to maintain their position of power while avoiding any accountability for their behavior.
Power Without Responsibility
For the most part, narcissistic people want the power without the responsibility. They want to be in control when they actually control nothing. They have no self-control. Neither do they have outward control. They give the appearance of being in charge without taking charge. They literally do nothing or the bare minimum.
Narcissistic people may not even necessarily lack experience in their positions, but they don’t lead. If they do lead, it’s an illusion of leadership. Some don’t know how to lead, but if they have the option to do so, they don’t lead. They merely boss others around because the ability to do so makes them feel powerful. They behave in mean ways and literally become bullies on the job or within leadership positions, and they cannot be trusted because they lack integrity.
For the most part, some narcissistic people want the recognition that power gives, but they do not want to be responsible for it. They want the power without the responsibility. In fact, they want nothing to do with responsibility. They defer away from being accountable because they never want to be at fault or take any blame. They want to be free from anything that blemishes their reputation because only their image matters.
My Voice Unchained 