The narcissist is easily one of the most difficult personality types you can be confronted with in a working environment. They are also very tricky because at first, they are going to come across as amazing. They have great ideas, work long hours and have high expectations. On the face of it, they look like the superstar.
Until you get to know them. The goals of the narcissist are established by their own needs rather than as a result of what is best for the organization. They see themselves as exempt from the rules and policies that govern the system and are very willing to step on and betray all those around them for the sake of advancing their own interests.
Here’s how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association defines a narcissistic personality:
They show a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of context, as indicated by five or more of the following:
- They have a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g. exaggerated achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
- They are preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
- They believe that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions.
- They require excessive admiration.
- They have a sense of entitlement (i.e. an unreasonable expectation of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).
- They are interpersonally exploitative (i.e., they take advantage of others to achieve his or hers own ends).
- They lack empathy, and are unwilling to identify with the feelings and needs of others.
- They are often envious of others or believe that others are envious of him or her.
- They show arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.
So what does this mean, and how can you deal with it? Learn more:
- Working For a Narcissistic Boss
- Working With a Narcissistic Co-Worker
- Working with a Narcissistic Subordinate
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