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In a world where self-interest and selfishness are often a way of life, it is a mystery to see altruistic people commit their lives to the benefit of others, while self-centered people are becoming more isolated and focused on themselves, rather than others. Seltzer (2016) explained that the self-centeredness of narcissists perpetuates their grandiosity, sense of entitlement, lack of empathy, and exploitative relationships. Self-centered narcissists perceive themselves as different from others; they lack understanding of self and value for others at a fundamental level. Understanding of self is very critical in life, "it includes knowing one 's agendas and the self adequately so that one can choose as freely as possible, in order to strengthen and give life to others " (Underwood, 2002, p. 73).
Leadership theories, such as Servant-Leadership, Authentic Leadership, and Transformational Leadership share the common view that leadership is about selflessness for the sake of others. Spears (2011) said, "Servant leadership emphasizes increased service to others, a holistic approach to work, promoting a sense of community, and the sharing a power in decision making " (p. 10). Northouse (2016) noted that authentic leadership "emphasizes the development of qualities that help leaders to be perceived as trustworthy and believable by their followers" (p. 206). Authentic leaders see their role as one of responsibility for bringing out the best in others and doing what is best for the organization within the context of serving their community (Luthans & Avolio, 2003). Leaders who exhibit transformational leadership often have a "strong set of internal values and ideals, and they are effective at motivating followers to act in ways that support the greater good rather than their own self-interest' ' (Northouse, 2016, p. 177). Bass (1998) suggests that transformational leadership enhances the follower's altruism and motivates them to go beyond their self-interest for the good of others. These theories suggest that leadership is a prosocial behavior based on altruism, which Batson (2014) referred to as a "motivational state with the ultimate goal of increasing another 's welfare' ' (p. 87).
Intrinsic traits are key motivators that can inspire leaders to demonstrate altruism and altruistic love. Dugan (2017) argued that the leadership that can touch the heart of others is "motivated by intrinsic traits" (p. 203). According to...