>[!abstract] >The **guru complex** refers to a psychological dynamic where an individual —often a spiritual leader, influencer, or manager— develops an exaggerated sense of wisdom, grandiosity, and infallibility. It describes the behavioral traps that occur when an authority figure expects unquestioning devotion and begins to believe their own hype. >[!example] Categories >Gurus come in different guises. They broadly fall into three categories identified by organisational psychologist Adam Grant: >- Preachers, who defend their beliefs and persuade their followers; >- Prosecutors, who forcefully advocate their positions and work to prove others wrong; >- Politicians, who hold preconceived notions of what is right and aim to gain approval from those around them. > >([[Ward (2023)|Ward, 2023]]) >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): — >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —