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While badly derived from a historical stereotype, the Napoleon complex is very real. In the workplace, it can be challenging to work with someone with such behavior. 

The Napoleon complex or short man syndrome is a term that suggests that individuals of shorter stature compensate through assertive or aggressive behavior. The concept explores the potential correlation between height and behavior, shedding light on how perceptions of stature might influence personality traits.

Napoleon complex and the dark triad

In a study, researchers found a link between people with short man syndrome and the dark triad personality traits - psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism. With 367 participants (both men and women), the study showed that shorter participants wished to be taller and scored higher for all three dark triad traits. The link with narcissism was significantly higher for the shorter male participants.

The researchers said that those with psychopathy tend to use their assertion and power to demand respect, acquire certain resources and impress their romantic partners. In the workplace, this could mean that people with the Napoleon complex tend to use aggression to impose costs and deadlines, as well as keep the information and resources they want to retain power.

How to deal with aggression at work

Understanding the reason why a coworker may behave with aggression can help provide a solution. It could be a response to an event that offended them. 

In one study, researchers found that people tend to act out when they feel like their ego is being threatened. They also found that highly skilled and well-liked individuals are seen as threats, so they become the target of aggression. However, when these individuals express gratitude toward their boss or when they compliment them, the aggression gets toned down.