Do you have a narcissist in your workplace? Chances are, you do. Narcissists are everywhere, and they can be quite destructive to teams and organizations. In this blog post, we will discuss what a narcissist is, the signs that someone is a narcissist, and how to deal with them. If you work with someone who is narcissistic, it’s important to understand how they operate and learn how to protect yourself from their harmful behaviors!
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What Are The Signs Of A Narcissist At Work?
Narcissists are often very charming and can be the life of the party. They are often the ones who are always talking and love to be the center of attention. They also tend to be very good at manipulation and can often take advantage of people. It is believed that narcissists might make up around six percent of the population and most of them are men.
If you’re wondering whether or not your coworker is a narcissist, here are some signs of a narcissist at work to look for:
Take credit for other people
This is one of the most common signs of a narcissist at work. They are always looking for ways to take credit for other people’s work and ideas. If you’ve ever had your idea stolen by a coworker, chances are, they were a narcissist. For example when the team completes a project and the narcissist takes all the credit even though he or she did very little work.
Belittle or undermine others
It is like a sport to them. They will take any opportunity they can to make someone else feel small, unimportant, or stupid. This is often done slyly or subtly so that the target isn’t quite sure what just happened. If you are the target of this behavior, you might start doubting your abilities and question whether you are good enough.
Always the center of attention
This sign is the keystone of the narcissist. If you’re not used to being around people like this, their need for attention can be confusing, off-putting, or even downright scary. Narcissists are often described as charming, but if you look closely, you may see that their charm is a cover for something much more sinister.
Inflated sense of self-importance
Many narcissists have an inflated sense of their own importance and will often try to assert their power over others. They may do this by belittling or criticizing others, or by taking credit for work that isn’t theirs. Narcissists also tend to be very controlling and may try to micromanage those around them.
Love gossiping about others
In the workplace, the narcissist will love to gossip about others. If you are their friend, they will tell you all the dirt about other people. They will also try to make you feel like you are better than others. Narcissists love to be in the center of attention and they will do whatever it takes to get there.
Reacts negatively to feedback
In any case, if someone criticizes a narcissist, he or she will likely react negatively. The narcissist may become defensive and argue with the person who gave the feedback. Or, the narcissist may become angry and try to belittle the other person. They do not take criticism or feedback well, which can make working with them very difficult.
Passive aggression
A narcissist at work behaves passive-aggressively when they don’t get their way. This can manifest in a number of ways, such as:
- Sulking
- Withdrawing from work or social interactions
- Giving the silent treatment
- Making snarky comments
Extremely jealous
This is often one of the most difficult things to deal with when working with a narcissist. They are constantly looking for ways to one-up their colleagues and feel threatened by any sign of success from others. If you’re in a meeting and they see you getting praise from the boss, they’ll find a way to undermine you later.
As you can see, there are numerous signs of a narcissist at work. If you suspect that you may be working with one, it’s important to be on the lookout for these behaviors so you can best deal with them.
Do Narcissists Do Well At Work?
Now, this is debatable. Some studies say that narcissists are more likely to achieve great things at work, while others claim that their inflated egos and need for constant validation ultimately hinder their productivity. However, one thing is certain: if you’re working with a narcissist, it can be pretty difficult to deal with him or her.
Let’s say, a person with narcissistic tendencies is your boss. He or she might be excessively demanding, always needing to be right, and extremely critical of your work – even if it’s good. If you’re unfortunate enough to have a narcissist as a coworker, he or she might try to undermine you or take credit for your ideas.
So you cannot say that they’re doing well because of their skill set. It’s almost like they’re purposely trying to make life difficult for everyone around them. So what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? Well, unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best way to deal with a narcissist will vary depending on the specific situation.
But do not worry, we will help you figure it out. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective strategies for dealing with a narcissist at work. Keep reading on!
How To Deal With Narcissists AT Work?
The narcissist is the one who loves to be in the center of attention, always need to be right, and feels superior to others. If you have a narcissist in your workplace, it can be very challenging to deal with him or her. Here are some tips on how you can deal with a narcissist at work:
Learn their patterns
It is important to learn the patterns of behavior of a narcissist. Once you know their patterns, you will be able to anticipate their next move and be prepared for it. For example, a narcissist typically responds negatively to constructive criticism, so if you identify their patterns, you can avoid triggering their defensive behaviors.
Avoid taking things personally
When working with a narcissist at work, there will be times when you feel like everything is your fault. It’s not. Narcissists need to feel in control and will often lash out or try to manipulate those around them in order to maintain that feeling. If you find yourself in the line of fire, remember that it’s not personal and try to detach yourself from the situation as much as possible
Set realistic expectations
If you work with a narcissist, you’re going to have to lower your expectations. Narcissists are not team players. They don’t care about anyone but themselves. They’re not going to be interested in helping you meet your goals. Narcissists are also not going to be particularly interested in following rules or respecting boundaries. So, it is better to set some realistic expectations in your mind and avoid being disappointed later.
Document offensive behavior
Now, this is something that should not have to be said, but in the event that you are dealing with a narcissist at work, it is important to document everything. This includes any and all instances of him or her belittling you, yelling at you, making fun of you, talking down to you, etc. Keep a running list (or even better, keep a journal) and date each entry. This will come in handy later on if you need to take this person to task for their behavior.
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries is always important whether you are dealing with a narcissist or not. However, it is especially important when you are dealing with someone as narcissistic as the person in your office. Remember that you do not have to tolerate their behavior just because they are your boss or coworker. If they are crossing the line, speak up and let them know that their behavior is not appropriate.
React assertively
It is important to react assertively rather than aggressively when you are dealing with a narcissist. Remember, they feed off of your reaction. So, if you can keep your cool and not let them see that they are getting to you, it will be much more effective. And, it will benefit you in the long run as well.
Do not engage in gossip
As much as it may be tempting to engage in gossip about the narcissist at work, resist the urge. Not only will this make you look bad, but it will also give the narcissist more ammunition to use against you. Because these conversations can quickly escalate, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Be mindful of their flattery
If you’re being flattered by someone at work a little too much, be wary. Narcissists will often use flattery as a way to get what they want from you. If you start to feel like you’re being used, make sure to put a stop to it and speak up. So always be on the lookout for those who are constantly trying to butter you up.
Talk to HR or boss
If you’re feeling harassed, threatened, or just plain uncomfortable, talking to HR or your boss is a good idea. It’s possible they aren’t aware of the problem, and even if they are, they may appreciate hearing from you about it. So, do not be afraid to speak up!
Overall, these are a few tips to help you deal with a narcissist in the workplace. It can be difficult, but by following these steps, you can make the situation much more manageable. Just remember to stay calm and keep your cool – no matter what! Good luck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a narcissist at work might be difficult to deal with, but there are some things you can do to try to make the situation better. Just make sure to keep yourself safe and healthy, both physically and emotionally. Remember, you don’t have to put up with this behavior, and you have the right to walk away from it.
You can also seek the help of a professional if they’re making it impossible for you to do your job or if you’re starting to feel like you can’t handle the situation on your own. No one deserves to be treated poorly, and no one deserves to be taken advantage of. With the right support, you can get through this and come out stronger on the other side.
For more information and guidance please get in touch with our expert therapists at Therapy Mantra. They will be more than happy to assist you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our services. You can also book an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app.
