Narcissism can be particularly toxic in workplace settings. These individuals often covet leadership roles, and a narcissistic boss may present as callous, overly demanding, and disrespectful to other employees. Narcissists can change, but personality disorders are fixed and relatively challenging to treat.
They're ultra-sensitive to criticism or anything they may consider as undermining them. They demonstrate a short temper (particularly, they lash out if they feel criticized). Narcissists also may lash out when they feel like they're not getting special treatment.
Realize it's not personal. You may have the misfortune of being the narcissist's main target. The narcissist usually zeroes in on people who are performing better than them at work, or has a good set of friends in the workplace. The narcissist hates anyone that is perceived as "better" than them.
What Is Silent Treatment? The silent treatment can be defined as the following: a passive-aggressive form of emotional abuse in which displeasure, disapproval, and contempt is exhibited through nonverbal gestures while maintaining verbal silence.
Ramani Durvasula, a psychologist and licensed therapist, wants anyone who is in a narcissistic relationship to stop saying one phrase: "You make me feel." It's a way of expressing yourself that has many permutations, like 'when you say that, you make me feel guilty,' or 'when you do that, you make me feel angry.
Workplace narcissists will do anything they can to undermine your performance – whether it's hurling covert or overt insults your way, treating you to backhanded “compliments” and cruel jokes, spreading rumors about you, excluding you from conversations or work-related events and/or degrading your work ethic, ...
Narcissistic bosses purposely surround themselves with employees who shower them with compliments, valuing them over other employees who might do better work, Morin says. That's because narcissistic bosses base their self-worth on admiration from others.
What happens when you ignore a narcissist at work?
They will have a violent, excessive, and disorderly reaction to the rejection. In a nutshell, they want and will try to create a scene. Simply put, narcissists hate being ignored. They probably want to make you feel ashamed, regretful, and rattled.
Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others. Be envious of others and believe others envy them. Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited. Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office.
Narcissists can be charming, high-functioning professionals who leave you with a very positive first impression. They are often charismatic, hard-working, full of ideas, and able to infect others with their own enthusiasm.
She says despite their negative traits, narcissists can often be very successful in the workplace. This is due to their charisma, extreme self-confidence, and willingness to take big risks.
Certified trauma therapist Támara Hill tells mbg that "women who are struggling with their own self-esteem issues, including a history of abuse, trauma, bullying, or identity issues" tend to attract narcissists.
