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Your role in the company will determine the best course of action in the event of abusive behavior. You may need to notify HR or your team lead about what is going on.
It is best to simply accept that your narcissistic colleague will brag a lot of the time, and use others to get ahead. If you expect these behaviors from your colleague, you’ll find they are less distressing.
That said, abusive behavior in the office should always be addressed, whether it comes from a narcissist or not. If someone is being bullied, you should always take action.
There comes a time when working with a narcissist that you’ll have to learn to accept their behavior. After all, they are never going to change their ways based on your feedback.
Use sentences like, “I told you I wasn't going to discuss this issue again today so I'm ending the conversation now,” to help enforce your limits.
Be aware of the fact that you may need to follow through with consequences when your boundaries are violated. After all, narcissists think they are above the rules.
Instead of focusing on your feelings or your interpretation of the situation, stick to the cold, hard facts. This will help keep the conversation less emotionally charged.
It is also important to set clear boundaries when you are working with a narcissist. Establishing healthy boundaries will limit the effect a narcissist can have on you.
Instead of yelling or flying off the handle, take a few moments to steady yourself before reacting to the situation. Show that you are in control of your emotions, no matter how out of control they become.
Last but not least, narcissists are never satisfied. A narcissistic colleague will often have unrealistic expectations that cannot be met, no matter how hard you work.
Although narcissistic people usually come across as arrogant, in reality they are normally very insecure. They are often jealous at the very idea of someone else’s success.
Of course, not all narcissists will display all these qualities. Equally, just because someone displays a few of these characteristics that doesn't mean they are necessarily a narcissist.
The first, and arguably most important, piece of advice is to try and stay calm. Losing your temper with a narcissist will generally fuel their behavior, since they’ll be encouraged by knowing they have the power to upset you.
For all their negative qualities, narcissistic people often present as very charming and charismatic. They are often liked by people who don’t work closely with them, since they make a great first impression.
Narcissists tend to be very self-centered, and they normally prioritize their own thoughts and needs above others’. As a result, they have a tendency to interrupt or ignore others.
Another trademark of narcissistic people is that they think they are above the rules. They are not afraid to make unethical decisions themselves, but they hold all other colleagues to a different standard.
Narcissists are often masters of passive aggression. They are fond of using gaslighting techniques as a way to justify their behavior.
While some narcissists present as superior and grandiose, others may present as covert and vulnerable. They may seek constant reassurance throughout the working day.
On the flip side, narcissists are normally reluctant to accept responsibility when something goes wrong. They will do everything in their power to shift blame and avoid accountability.
Narcissists tend to react very poorly to constructive feedback. It is very difficult for a narcissist to hear they are not perfect, and often this prompts a defensive, or even angry, response.
Another common trait of narcissists is that they relentlessly demand attention. It’s not beyond them to make a scene in an effort to draw attention to themselves.
Learning to deal with a narcissistic colleague can be difficult, but there are things you can do to make your life easier. Let’s start by looking at some of the telltale signs.
Narcissists are often the first people to take credit when something goes well. They will assume full responsibility for a successful project, and ignore all contributions from others.
If you have ever worked with a narcissist, you’ll know just how tricky it can be. Narcissistic colleagues are almost always exhausting and frustrating.
They also have a tendency to gossip. Narcissistic people are often the first to spread rumors about others, particularly if they feel jealous or threatened.
The reality is, however, that in combination these qualities can be very difficult to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Let’s take a look at some tips for how to cope.
An example of setting a boundary might be limiting the amount of time each person gets to speak during a given meeting.
When talking to a narcissist about something difficult, it is best to focus on facts rather than feelings. You will never get them to change their behavior by explaining it upsets you.
Dealing with a narcissistic colleague can be very frustrating, but there are a handful of upsides, too. Narcissists are often hard workers who aren’t afraid to take risks!
So if you find yourself in the position of having to deal with a narcissist at work, take a deep breath and put some of these techniques into practice.
Sources: (Choosing Therapy) (Insider)
See also: The best ways to show your work team you appreciate them
Dealing with a narcissist is often tricky, whether at home or at work. Narcissistic people display many qualities that make them difficult to be around, let alone work with.
If you suspect you may be working with a narcissist and you're finding it difficult, fear not! There are things you can do to make your life easier and your working experience more enjoyable. Check out this gallery for some tips on how to deal with a narcissist at work.
How to deal with a narcissist at work
This is one of the trickiest settings to interact with a narcissist
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Dealing with a narcissist is often tricky, whether at home or at work. Narcissistic people display many qualities that make them difficult to be around, let alone work with.
If you suspect you may be working with a narcissist and you're finding it difficult, fear not! There are things you can do to make your life easier and your working experience more enjoyable. Check out this gallery for some tips on how to deal with a narcissist at work.