Last updated on October 23rd, 2024
Narcissists excel at creating a hostile environment in the workplace. They often go to extreme lengths to make their colleagues feel inferior. They take credit for work that isn’t theirs and expect unreasonable favors from their colleagues.
The result of their selfish and entitled behavior is a hostile and toxic work environment.
The Impact of a Narcissist on the Workplace
If you think that you might be working with a narcissist, you should pay attention, because their toxicity could impact both your career and your mental health,
Their need for validation can lead to unjustified credit-taking, their refusal to accept feedback can impede progress, and their lack of respect for others can create communication issues and relationships strained by distrust.
So, it is definitely in your best interest to be aware of any potential signs of narcissistic behavior in the workplace, in order to protect yourself accordingly.
1. They Talk About Themselves All The Time
A narcissist coworker can be incredibly draining and disruptive in the workplace. They talk about themselves all the time, often hogging conversations as they brag about their accomplishments and skills.
They will take any opportunity to show off and may even tell lies just to secure admiration from those around them.
When interacting with a narcissist coworker it is important to remember that you don’t have to give into their demands for attention and admiration – no matter how loudly they insist on it.
2. They’re not interested in the success of others
A narcissist coworker is rarely interested in the successes of others.
Even if they appear to be listening, they will swiftly move on to talking about their own achievements or leisure activities as soon as you begin sharing yours.
It’s often difficult to get a narcissistic person to listen for more than a few minutes before it becomes all about them again.
Moreover, a narcissist will generally be dismissive of your concerns and accomplishments, focusing only on those that are relevant to themselves.
They will often use this opportunity to belittle and diminish the importance of your successes, in an effort to make themselves appear superior.
3. They have difficulty empathizing with others
A narcissist coworker can be difficult to work with because they often struggle to empathize with others.
Narcissists are notoriously oblivious to the feelings and needs of those around them, and as such they will make decisions or take action without taking into consideration how this will affect their colleagues.
This lack of empathy makes it incredibly frustrating for those who work with a narcissistic coworker on a regular basis.
4. They take more than they give
A narcissist will expect more from people than they are willing to give in return.
Narcissists expect people to do things for them – even if it is not in that person’s best interests or if it goes against the wishes of everyone else involved.
At the same time, they rarely show appreciation for the work and input of those around them.
This can leave coworkers feeling drained and unappreciated, making it a difficult environment to work in.
5. They lack accountability
A narcissistic coworker can be particularly difficult to work with because of their lack of accountability. Instead, they will deflect the criticism to others and make excuses for their behavior rather than taking any responsibility for it.
Whenever faced with criticism or mistakes, they will refuse to accept their fair share of the blame, and are likely to react very defensively or even aggressively.
This makes it very difficult to have constructive conversations around mistakes or areas where improvement is needed.
6. Their needs come first
A narcissist’s needs will always come before anyone else’s.
From small decisions, such as deciding on the restaurant for a business lunch, to bigger decisions such as which client to bid for – without fail the narcissist’s opinion is always the one that matters most.
They genuinely believe that their view or opinion is the only one that should be taken into consideration.
This can be especially frustrating in a collaborative work environment as it leaves little room for others’ perspectives and contributions.
Often times this behavior inevitably leads to resentment and diminishes morale within the team.
7. They have an inflated view of their self-importance
Narcissists often think that their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs are more important than those of anyone else around them.
This can lead to difficulties when collaborating with others or working in a team environment, as the narcissist will ride roughshod over any views or ideas that do not align with their own.
In addition, they also may be highly domineering, trying to take control in any situation and pushing their own agenda regardless of the input from others.
This behavior can become tiring fast and can quickly cause tension among coworkers.
8. Everything is a competition
To a narcissist, life is one big competition and they must win it all no matter what it takes or who they hurt along the way.
They have an intense need to always be right and to make sure that their viewpoint is seen as the only valid one.
This can lead to manipulative behaviors in order to gain the upper hand in any discussion or situation.
In addition, this competitive attitude may also lead to them stabbing their coworkers in the back, particularly if someone stands in the way of them achieving their goals.
9. No one admires them as much as they admire themselves
A narcissistic coworker has an insatiable need for admiration, and they may go out of their way to get it, no matter what it takes.
The truth is, however, that this need for admiration is never satisfied. However much praise they receive, the narcissist will always be searching for more.
They are usually unable to recognize that no one can admire them as much as they do themselves and this can lead to frustration and disappointment.
10. They seek constant validation
A narcissistic coworker will often seek constant validation from those around them. This can be in the form of compliments, flattery or other forms of verbal reassurance.
Unfortunately, this often results in hurt feelings as their desperate search for validation may result in them stealing the credit for work or ideas that are not theirs, or other unethical tactics that harm others in the workplace.
11. They refuse feedback
If someone tries to give a narcissist even the most constructive of criticism, the narcissist will view this as an attack against them rather than as an opportunity for growth.
This can lead to defensive behavior such as trying to pass the buck on to someone else, or avoidance of conversations altogether.
This refusal to accept feedback is a sign of insecurity, as the narcissist is not willing to acknowledge that there is any room for improvement in their performance.
It also indicates a lack of respect for others and their opinions, which inevitably creates feelings of animosity and resentment amongst coworkers.
Protecting Yourself from the Narcissist at Work
Working with a narcissist can be difficult, but there are ways to protect yourself. Here are some tactics you can use to guard yourself against the toxicity of their behavior:
Document Decisions
Keeping track of decisions made in meetings and emails sent can help provide evidence when needed to back-up claims or defend against accusations from the narcissist.
Documentation can also create an audit trail that is useful should there be any conflicts and disputes.
Build Support Networks
Surrounding yourself with trustworthy colleagues can help provide emotional support when dealing with a narcissistic person in the workplace.
Additionally, having allies who have your back in meetings or difficult conversations can help ensure your voice is heard and respected.
Maintain Professionalism
One of the best ways to protect yourself from a narcissist’s manipulation tactics is to remain professional and focused on the task at hand.
Arguing over personal matters will only open doors for them to take control of the situation which should be avoided as much as possible.
Set Boundaries
Establish clear expectations regarding how much attention you will give them, what type of communication is appropriate between you two, and how often they can reach out to you.
When confronting them directly about this behavior, remain firm but respectful in your language.
Know Your Rights
Make sure you know your rights as an employee and keep up-to-date on any applicable labor laws that may apply in your situation.
If you feel like someone is taking advantage of you or violating any regulations, it is important that you consult an attorney or other qualified professional for advice before taking action on your own behalf.
Take Care Of Yourself
Finally, it is important that you prioritize your own wellbeing when dealing with a narcissist at work.
Make sure to take breaks throughout the day where possible and engage in activities that help decrease stress like deep breathing exercises or yoga stretches.
If needed, talk to a mental health professional about ways to manage any feelings of anxiety or depression as a result of this toxic environment.
Concluding Thoughts
Working with a narcissist can be incredibly draining and damaging to your self-esteem, so recognizing these 11 warning signs that you might be working with a narcissist is key to safeguarding yourself.
The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself when dealing with a narcissistic coworker. From documenting decisions to building support networks and knowing your rights, there are tangible steps you can take to safeguard yourself against their negative behavior.
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Carla Corelli, a writer, advocate, and survivor of narcissistic abuse, draws from her own upbringing with a narcissistic father to shed light on psychological trauma. Fueled by her personal journey, she pursued a degree in psychology and has dedicated herself to shedding light on the complexities of narcissistic abuse.
With over fifteen years of experience in writing and advocating for survivors, Carla is deeply committed to providing support, education, and empowerment to those who have endured similar trauma. Through her articles, Carla aims to offer a compassionate space for healing and growth, while advocating for greater awareness and understanding of narcissistic abuse.
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