Narcissists in the Workplace: Signs Your Coworker or Boss Might Be One of Them

Have you ever worked with a self-absorbed person who “clawed their way to the top” with little regard for others? While not every person who comes across as selfish is actually a diagnosable narcissist, a small percentage are. About 1 to 5% of the adult population is thought to have narcissistic personality disorder (or NPD). However, many more exhibit at least some degree of narcissistic traits—such as exaggerating accomplishments, seeking attention and praise, and believing they’re inherently better than others. Perhaps surprisingly, about 75% of people with narcissistic personality disorder are men.

To some extent, self-centered traits such as ambition and risk-taking can be helpful in the workplace, which is why many successful people exhibit some signs of narcissism at times. Narcissism can exist on a spectrum, from healthy levels of self-confidence to pathological levels of entitlement. When narcissism becomes extreme, it can interfere with a person’s ability to function in social and professional settings, including in the workplace.

It may seem like people in positions of power, such as bosses and CEOs, often show signs of narcissism. It’s true that history and some research suggest narcissists are effective at rising to power. However, most are not effective leaders because they lack compassion and struggle to communicate well or maintain relationships. 

In this article, learn how employers can spot signs of narcissistic behavior in leaders and other employees, as well as strategies for dealing with narcissistic people at work and elsewhere.

Types of Narcissists

Narcissists are grouped into different categories depending on their behaviors, although all types have underlying traits in common, such as a lack of empathy and grandiosity. Researchers believe underlying mechanisms contributing to narcissism may involve abnormal structural and functional brain networks that affect people’s ability to empathize and think of others over their own self-enhancement.

Types of narcissists include:

• Grandiose Narcissist: This type of narcissist is usually outgoing, has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited social status, success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. 
• Vulnerable Narcissist: As the name implies, this type has fragile self-esteem and is easily threatened by criticism or rejection. They may appear shy or introverted, but they still crave admiration and sympathy from others.
• Covert Narcissist: This type of narcissist is more subtle in their approach to seeking validation. They often appear humble on the surface, but they still have a sense of specialness and a deep need for attention.
• Malignant Narcissist: Malignant narcissists are the most malicious type. They’re usually grandiose, cruel, sadistic, and even violent toward others.
• Communal Narcissist: This type of narcissist may appear to be selfless and giving, but they still have a strong need to be seen as valuable and unique. They often seek validation through their contributions to their community or society.

Common Signs of Narcissistic Behavior

Here are key traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder that you may be able to spot in workplace narcissists:

• Self-absorption: People with narcissistic tendencies constantly focus on themselves without taking other people’s feelings into account. 
• Lack of empathy: Narcissists are dismissive of other people’s feelings, concerns, or needs. They have a lack of care when someone is hurt or upset and struggle to understand the perspectives of others. 
• Grandiose sense of self-importance: They exaggerate their own talents, status, and accomplishments. Narcissists often display an inflated sense of confidence even in situations where they lack knowledge or expertise.
• Manipulative behavior: They use manipulative tactics, such as lying and withholding information, to get what they want.
• Need for control: Narcissists may seek to control their environments and the people they associate with. 
• Need for admiration: Narcissists crave a lot of attention, validation, sympathy, and admiration from others.
• Sense of entitlement: They feel special treatment, acknowledgment, and privileges are deserved, and they have an expectation of compliance from others even when they don’t return the favor.
• Rage: When a narcissist is challenged or told they are a narcissist, they typically respond with anger and hostility, called “narcissistic rage.” This tendency to react aggressively usually occurs when their sense of superiority is challenged. Many narcissists can’t handle criticism and become very defensive, sometimes resulting in violence. 

Signs of a Narcissist at Work

Here are some examples of how a narcissistic boss or another narcissist at work may have risen to power, as well as how they tend to treat their coworkers:

• Believing they are always right and refusing to listen to feedback or advice from others.
• Taking credit for other people’s work.
• Gossiping about coworkers, spreading rumors to gain an advantage, and putting people down in front of their teams or managers.
• Refusing to collaborate with colleagues that are seen as being “below” them or not high-status enough.
• Failing to consider the impact of decisions on colleagues or dismissing the concerns of subordinates.
• Resisting delegating tasks or sharing responsibilities.
• Being intolerant of anyone who challenges their authority.
• Insisting on being the center of attention or expecting special treatment from colleagues.
• Always bringing the topic of conversation back to themselves. 
• Bragging about accomplishments or seeking constant praise.
• Demanding perks or accommodations that are not available to others.
• Using over-the-top flattery, charm, or other tactics to gain support or power.
• Lashing out at coworkers or engaging in confrontational behavior.

Professions That Attract Narcissists

Narcissists work in all types of fields and can be found in many workplaces, ranging from universities to government organizations. That said, self-absorbed and entitled people are sometimes drawn to certain professions that allow them to feel important, powerful, and admired. 

Here are some examples of professions that may attract narcissistic individuals:

• Business Executives: Leadership roles in the business world can offer opportunities for power, recognition, and financial success, which may be appealing to narcissists.
• Politicians: Political careers can provide opportunities for public attention, power, and influence.
• Entertainment Industry: Careers in the entertainment industry, such as actors, musicians, and models, can offer opportunities for fame, special treatment, and adoration.
• Law Enforcement and Military: Jobs that involve control, authority, and the ability to exercise power over others, such as law enforcement and military positions, may be attractive to narcissistics.
• Medical Professionals: Careers in the medical field, such as doctors and surgeons, may provide opportunities for recognition and admiration for their knowledge and expertise.

The Impact of Narcissistic Leaders in the Workplace

There’s some evidence to suggest that a high proportion of leaders may exhibit some narcissistic traits or even have a narcissistic personality disorder. However, it’s important to note that not all leaders are narcissistic, and not all narcissists become successful or leaders.

People who exhibit narcissistic traits may wind up becoming leaders for some of the following reasons:

• They’re self-confident: Narcissists are willing to make difficult decisions and take risks due to believing in their importance.
• They’re charismatic: They can be very persuasive and likable at first, giving them the ability to rally people behind them and their visions.
• They have a lot of drive and ambition: Due to their grandiosity, they have a strong desire for success and recognition. Some may even be workaholics because they value things like making money and earning promotions over prioritizing time for relationships.
• They’re fearless: Narcissists are not risk-averse but rather are willing to take bold actions, including in uncertain situations.

Challenges of Working With a Narcissist

Narcissists at work can cause a range of problems related to company culture, communication, and productivity. Here are some examples of the challenges of working with a narcissist:

• Decreased productivity: Being status-seeking and overly fixated on one’s image and receiving praise can lead to less efficiency. For example, narcissists can disrupt workflows, create conflicts, or miss deadlines that they don’t think are important.
• Lower job satisfaction and morale: Working with a narcissistic coworker or boss can lead to poor collaboration, resentment, and stress because they make the workplace feel toxic and demotivating.
• Increased employee turnover: Narcissists can make employees feel undervalued, unappreciated, or unsupported, causing them to quit.
• Negative effects on team dynamics: Self-centered people are challenging to work with, share ideas with, and build trust with.
• Negative impact on employees’ mental and physical health: Overall, spending time with a selfish, hostile, inconsiderate person at work makes it hard to enjoy one’s job. The conflict and competition that narcissists create can increase workplace stress, contributing to issues such as anxiety.

Narcissists vs. the Other Dark Triad Personality Types

Narcissism is one component of “the dark triad,” a set of three personality traits that are often associated with negative behaviors and outcomes. The traits that make up the dark triad are:

• Narcissism: Exhibits grandiosity and arrogance and has a belief that they are better than others. They’re not necessarily violent or obviously self-centered, such as the case with vulnerable and covert narcissists (also called “dark empaths,” who use vulnerability against people). 
• Machiavellianism: A tendency to manipulate others for personal gain, a willingness to deceive others, and a lack of moral principles. Machiavellian people also usually exhibit a cynical worldview and a lack of trust in others.
• Psychopathy: A lack of empathy or remorse, a tendency to engage in impulsive or reckless behavior, and a disregard for social norms or rules. Psychopaths sometimes exhibit superficial charm, have a tendency to lie or manipulate others, and have a lack of guilt or remorse, including when they’re malicious and violent.

Individuals who exhibit dark triad traits are more likely to engage in unethical or harmful behaviors, both in personal and professional settings and relationships. For instance, they’re willing to knock others down to climb the corporate ladder and will take risks to gain power. The main difference between the three is that psychopaths are more reckless and impulsive, Machiavellians are more careful and less attention-seeking, and narcissists are more concerned with their image.

Strategies for Handling Narcissists in the Workplace

If you’re concerned about someone’s behavior at work and its impact on yourself, your coworkers, or your company, it’s worth asking for help from management or human resources. Aside from gaining support from other people at work, here are ways you can cope with working alongside a narcissist:

• Educate yourself: After you recognize narcissistic behavior and learn how narcissists are triggered, it’s easier to navigate working with someone like this and to prevent conflicts. For example, be careful not to criticize or embarrass them in front of others, and instead communicate clearly and avoid enraging them. If they tend to monopolize meetings, consider setting an agenda beforehand or appointing a facilitator to keep the conversation on track.
• Avoid engaging in power struggles: If you have a disagreement, focus on facts rather than emotions or opinions. Take the “high road” and avoid feeling the need to prove yourself to someone who’s self-absorbed and stubborn.
• Set boundaries: Establish clear expectations and refuse to accept unreasonable demands or behaviors. Stick up for yourself, but in a respectful way.
• Document interactions: Keep emails and messages or write down details of conversations so you can refer back to them later if need be. This can help protect you if their behavior becomes aggressive, or if they try to “gaslight” you and insist you don’t remember things clearly.
• Don’t take it personally: Narcissistic individuals may exhibit disrespectful or rude behavior toward others. Remember that this is often due to their own insecurities and not a reflection of your worth as a person.
• Find a different job: If a narcissist in a position of power is toxic and very unhealthy for you to work with, consider looking for a new job that will cause you less stress.

Want to learn more about how empathy benefits you in many aspects of life? Check out this article: “What is Empathy? Data Says it’s the Leadership Skill Needed Most.”