Narcissist at Work: How to Survive Alongside a Toxic Boss or Colleague
Narcissistic traits are common in people in positions of power. How to recognize a narcissist at work and protect yourself without sacrificing your career.
A meeting with no warning. You "didn't do the main thing" — though the task was never given. Your ideas appropriated. Public humiliation. "Favorites" and "scapegoats." A narcissist at work is a special situation — because leaving is harder than leaving a personal relationship.
1. Signs of a Narcissist in the Workplace
- Appropriating the team's credit
- Public criticism, private praise
- Double standards: rules for others, not for themselves
- No recognition of employee contributions
- Designated "favorites" and "scapegoats"
- Hunger for external success, indifference to internal team climate
2. How to Survive
Document everything: written agreements, task confirmations by email, keeping important correspondence.
Minimal emotional contact: "grey rock" — professional, neutral responses.
Allies: build horizontal connections in the team — this provides protection and support.
Know your rights: employment contract, HR, union. When rights are violated — use them.
Talk to our AI psychologist psybot.app. Read also: Narcissistic Personality Disorder.