O narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a lack of empathy, a sense of grandiosity, and a constant need for praise. Regardless of the type, working under a narcissistic boss can cause chronic stress.
A narcissistic boss may demand excessive praise, often appear volatile, or willfully ignore your work accomplishments. The key to dealing with a narcissistic boss is to maintain your own perspective on your work and your self-worth, despite your boss's reactions.
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Maintaining a positive view of yourself despite your boss's constant need for supplies takes hard work and perseverance. Those with narcissistic personality disorder may learn ways to manipulate others and feed their narcissistic supply.
1. They talk about themselves almost exclusively
They are very aware of their physical appearance, wealth, talents and accomplishments – and they expect your attention as they talk about these attributes. These comments tend to be exaggerated and are not necessarily accurate reflections of their lives.
2. They have fantasies of grandeur
Narcissists tend to have elaborate fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty, or the perfect partner. Because of these imaginations, they feel they should have the best of everything: houses, cars, and clothes or other things that affirm their status, like where they go to school. These wishes are a way for narcissists push away inner feelings of emptiness and shame and instead feel special and in control. They experience immense frustration and anger when their visions are not achieved.
3. They demand constant praise
Despite how outwardly confident narcissists may portray themselves, they are often quite vulnerable and insecure, with fragile self-esteem. They, too, can expect to be recognized as superior, even if they don't achieve anything worthy of praise. Due to their fragile egos, narcissists are highly reactive to criticism. Any comments that highlight your insecurities or shortcomings could be met with a narcissistic outburst of rage.
4. They show a sense of entitlement
Narcissists think that others should offer them special favors and immediately grant their requests without question. If such treatment is not given to them, they may become impatient or angry, or give others the passive-aggressive silent treatment. They see others as existing primarily to meet their needs, abusing them and disregarding their wants and desires.
5. They take advantage of others
Many people are naturally attracted to narcissists, as they can present themselves as attractive, charismatic, and charming. Thus, narcissists may have no problem getting people to do what they want, even causing burnout at work for those beneath them.
6. They are jealous of others
Because of their low self-esteem and need to be superior to others, narcissists see people who have things they lack — such as tangible items, status, or admiration — as threats.
Having goals or ambitions in life is a good thing, but narcissists make their dreams the center of their world and expect others to want for them what they want for themselves.
Many bosses can be narcissistic. They tend to have qualities that include using events in the workplace to create drama or start problems. They come off as martyrs but find ways to get narcissistic supplies from others. They describe their workday as a mission or a higher calling, positioning themselves far from merit-based achievement.
Psychologist, postgraduate in Business Management Executive Coaching and Skills. Writer with international training for creative writing and storytelling. Researcher at Dakila Pesquisas, creation of Pedagogical Coaching methodology for parents and educators.
