Leadership That Understands the Game
Give credit where credit is due—our current East Brunswick Board of Education leadership has cracked the code on dealing with a very specific breed of individual: the local narcissist. Not just any run-of-the-mill self-absorbed loudmouth, but the kind who thrives on manufactured outrage, grandstanding, and the undying belief that they are the smartest person in the room (even when the room is empty). Whether it’s someone who incited chaos during a deadly outbreak or someone still bitter over a declined coffee invite, the finesse here is truly remarkable.
And yet, in a way that can only be described as masterful, our BOE leadership has managed to keep them entertained, engaged, and—most importantly—completely oblivious to the fact that they are being played. A skill like this should be taught in political science classes. Or at the very least, sold as a self-help book titled How to Let Narcissists Think They’re in Charge While You Run the Show.
The Illusion of Influence
There is an art to making someone think they are calling the shots when, in reality, they are just an overly dramatic chess piece being moved around the board. The BOE leadership has perfected the technique of subtly nudging these folks into exhausting themselves, all while believing they are pulling the strings.
Take, for instance, the way certain self-important figures rant, rage, and “demand accountability,” only to leave the room convinced they’ve won something. What have they actually won? A participation trophy in the form of wasted breath and a couple of Facebook likes from their equally delusional supporters. Meanwhile, the BOE continues making real decisions, unaffected, unbothered, and probably laughing behind closed doors.
Emotional Currency: Spending It All for Nothing
A true narcissist needs constant validation—it’s their oxygen. And the BOE leadership knows this better than anyone. What’s the easiest way to keep them occupied? Give them just enough attention to keep them spiraling. Maybe answer one question in a way that’s just vague enough to keep them chasing their own tail for weeks. Maybe let them think they “forced a discussion” when in reality, the discussion was going to happen anyway.
These poor souls spend hours typing out angry social media posts, recording videos with red faces and shaky voices, and declaring victory over meetings that were never even a battle. Meanwhile, the real work gets done without their interference. It’s truly a thing of beauty.
The Self-Appointed Watchdogs (Who Are Actually Just Circus Performers)
The narcissist thrives on the illusion that they are the “only one brave enough” to speak truth to power. But the joke is on them—the BOE has simply positioned them as a form of political entertainment. And the best part? They don’t even realize it. They take the bait, time and time again, mistaking their scripted role in the production for real influence.
Picture it: they strut into meetings, ready to “expose the corruption,” only to be met with a polite nod and a redirect. They leave thinking they “changed the course of history,” when in reality, all they did was provide free amusement for the actual decision-makers.
The Greatest Trick Ever Pulled
At the end of the day, credit must be given to the BOE leadership. Managing a town full of strong personalities is one thing. Masterfully manipulating the ones who think they’re manipulating you? That’s a rare skill. They keep the chaos contained, the distractions busy, and the actual work moving forward—seamlessly, quietly, and hilariously unnoticed by those too blinded by their own reflection.
So here’s to the East Brunswick BOE leadership: the true puppet masters. And to the narcissists? Well, they’ll probably read this and assume it’s about someone else.
