Why Do Successful People Change?
You've noticed it: as people gain power, they can become less pleasant, harder to influence, and more difficult to do business with. This interactive report explores the psychological drivers behind this common phenomenon, revealing how success can reshape behaviour.
70%
Of leaders with power report decreased interest in others' perspectives.
4x
More likely high-empathy leaders are to retain top talent.
The Empathy Deficit
While 92% of CEOs feel their organisation is empathetic, only 56% of their employees agree. This gap highlights a critical disconnect that impacts culture and performance.
Use the navigation above to explore the core reasons, identify key personality types that emerge, and learn effective strategies for engagement and improvement.
The Why: Psychological Drivers of Change
The acquisition of power is a primary catalyst for behavioural shifts. These are the core mechanisms at play.
Increased Self-Focus
Power attunes individuals to their own internal states and goals. They become more likely to follow their own mind, often at the expense of considering others' perspectives.
Reduced Social Inhibition
Success provides a "freedom from" normal social constraints. This can lead to more direct, unfiltered, and sometimes self-serving actions.
Heightened Authenticity
Powerful individuals feel more able to express their "true self". If their underlying traits include impatience, these will become more visible.
Decreased Empathy
Studies suggest power can reduce one's interest in the needs and feelings of others, leading to more transactional interactions.
Action Orientation
Those in power become more decisive. While efficient, this can manifest as abruptness or a dismissive attitude towards others' input.
Poor Feedback Receptivity
A dangerous cycle can emerge where power reduces interest in feedback, while others become less likely to offer it, entrenching negative behaviours.
The Who: Personality Profiles Under Pressure
Power doesn't corrupt; it reveals. It acts as an amplifier for pre-existing traits. Explore the common personality patterns that emerge when success removes social constraints.
Narcissism
A grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. They project confidence but have poor interpersonal skills.
- ◆ Sense of entitlement
- ◆ Exploitative in relationships
- ◆ Resistant to criticism
Machiavellianism
A strategic, manipulative, and cynical approach. They view others as a means to an end, prioritising self-interest above all else.
- ◆ Pragmatic and calculating
- ◆ Resistant to emotional appeals
- ◆ Skilled but self-serving
Psychopathy
A profound lack of empathy and remorse, coupled with a charming but manipulative nature. Focus is on short-term personal gain.
- ◆ Superficially charming
- ◆ Inability to form genuine bonds
- ◆ Impulsive and irresponsible
The How: Strategies for Effective Engagement
Traditional sales and influence tactics often fail with powerful individuals. Success requires a shift to strategic alignment. Select an archetype to see tailored approaches and a visual comparison of their key traits.
Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts
Understanding these dynamics is key to effective engagement. Here are the core insights and some advice for those on their own path to success.
Actionable Insights for Interaction
- 💡Adapt Your Approach: Recognise that power changes priorities. Standard tactics won't work.
- 🎯Focus on Strategic Value: Forget guilt trips. Align your proposals with their goals and demonstrate clear, tangible benefits.
- 🔍Observe Early Signs: Power amplifies what's already there. Pre-success behaviour is a strong predictor of post-success conduct.
- 🗣️Be Direct & Data-Driven: Respect their time. Present information concisely, focus on results, and offer choices.
A Cautionary Note for Achievers
If you are on a path to success, you can mitigate the potential pitfalls of power. The goal is to wield influence effectively without losing perspective.
- 👂Actively Seek Feedback: Create systems to get honest, critical feedback from trusted sources to avoid the feedback deficit.
- 🧠Cultivate Self-Awareness: Regularly reflect on your behaviour and its impact on others. Humility is a key defence.
- 🤝Maintain Your Connections: Prioritise relationships with people who will keep you grounded and provide honest counsel.
Pathways to Improvement: Coaching & Training
Recognising these patterns is the first step. The next is taking action. For leaders and teams looking to navigate the complexities of power and enhance interpersonal effectiveness, targeted coaching and training can make all the difference.
Delivered by Dante St James
dantestjames.comDante St James provides specialised coaching and corporate training programs designed to address the challenges outlined in this report. By focusing on practical, evidence-based techniques, leaders can learn to wield their influence more effectively, ethically, and empathetically.
Executive Coaching
One-on-one coaching to build self-awareness, improve feedback receptivity, and develop strategic empathy. Ideal for leaders seeking to refine their impact and avoid the pitfalls of power.
Team Workshops
Interactive sessions on effective communication, influence, and negotiation. Equip your sales and management teams with the skills to engage powerful stakeholders successfully.