Ethan Sterling
Navigating the professional world can be tricky, especially when dealing with difficult bosses.
At times, you might even find yourself working under a narcissistic employer, although it’s not always easy to spot.
Psychology offers some subtle signs to watch for that can indicate you’re in such a situation.
In this article, we’ll delve into these subtle cues that suggest your boss may be more self-centered than you realized.
So, buckle up and let’s delve deep into the realm of narcissism at work.
1) Constant need for admiration
Narcissists are notorious for their insatiable thirst for approval and admiration.
This can often translate into a persistent need for validation and appreciation in the workplace.
You might notice your boss constantly seeking compliments or fishing for praise. They may dwell excessively on their accomplishments, often overshadowing the contributions of others.
This constant need for admiration can be draining for employees and may create a toxic work environment.
Remember, everyone enjoys a little recognition now and then. But when your boss’s need for praise becomes excessive and self-serving, it could be a subtle sign of narcissism.
2) Lack of empathy
A hallmark trait of narcissism, according to psychology, is a lack of empathy.
As Carl Rogers, a noted psychologist, once put it, “The great majority of us cannot listen; we find ourselves compelled to evaluate, because listening is too dangerous.”
I remember a time when I worked under a boss who exhibited this trait. We were working on a major project with tight deadlines.
One of our team members had a family emergency and asked for some time off. Instead of understanding and reorganizing the tasks, my boss showed no sympathy and insisted that the project was more important than personal issues.
This lack of empathy was not only disheartening but also created a sense of fear and discomfort in the team.
A narcissistic employer often fails to recognize or understand the feelings and needs of others, which can lead to a hostile work environment.
If empathy is lacking in your workplace, it might be a subtle sign of a narcissistic boss.
3) Exploits others without guilt or shame
Narcissistic individuals tend to use other people to their advantage, without any feelings of guilt or remorse. This can be particularly damaging in a workplace environment.
Eminent psychologist Albert Bandura stated, “Moral disengagement is the process by which people convince themselves to avoid recognizing the consequences of their behavior on others.”
This perfectly encapsulates the mindset of a narcissistic employer.
I’ve witnessed situations where bosses have taken credit for an employee’s work, manipulated team dynamics for personal gain, or overworked staff without considering the impact on their well-being.
When a person in power shows a blatant disregard for the impact of their actions on others, it’s more than just tough business—it’s a sign of narcissism.
4) Excessive control and micromanagement
Narcissists often have an intense desire for control, which can manifest as micromanaging in the workplace. They have a hard time delegating tasks or trusting others to do the job correctly.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”
This is how a narcissistic boss reacts to situations. They usually believe their way is the only right way to do things.
I recall a moment in my career when I was working on a project that required creative input.
My boss, however, insisted on managing every detail, leaving no room for individual contributions or creativity. This excessive control not only stifles innovation but also lowers morale.
If your boss has a compulsive need to control everything around them, you might be dealing with a narcissist.
5) Charismatic but superficial charm
It might seem counterintuitive, but narcissists can often be incredibly charming.
They have a knack for captivating an audience, which can be particularly misleading in the workplace.
Narcissistic employers can use their emotional intelligence to manipulate situations and relationships to their advantage. Their charm, however, is often superficial and serves as a tool to mask their narcissistic tendencies.
There was a time when I had a boss who was exceptionally charismatic during meetings and presentations. He knew exactly what to say and how to say it to capture everyone’s attention.
But beyond these interactions, he was self-centered and dismissive of others’ needs.
If your boss’s charm feels more like a performance than genuine warmth or empathy, it could be a sign of hidden narcissism.
6) Inability to handle criticism
A common trait among narcissists is their inability to handle criticism, no matter how constructive.
They often see it as a direct attack on their persona and can become overly defensive or even aggressive.
Renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
However, for a narcissistic employer, their inflated self-image prevents them from accepting critique and improving.
If your boss consistently reacts poorly to feedback, deflects blame onto others, or becomes hostile when their ideas are challenged, it might be a sign of underlying narcissism.
It’s particularly telling if they’re quick to criticize others but react negatively when the tables are turned.
7) Grandiose sense of self-importance
Narcissists usually have an inflated sense of self-importance, often believing that they’re superior to others.
This can be particularly evident in the workplace where they view themselves as indispensable.
Psychologist Alfred Adler once said, “The neurotic is nailed to the cross of his fiction.”
Similarly, a narcissistic boss is nailed to the cross of their grandiosity.
I remember a manager in a previous job who always talked about how the company would fall apart without them. They’d often exaggerate their achievements and belittle the contributions of others.
If your boss consistently overestimates their abilities and underestimates yours, it’s a subtle sign that you might be dealing with a narcissist.
8) Arrogance and dismissiveness
Narcissistic bosses often display an air of arrogance and dismissiveness towards their employees. They regard themselves as superior and have little regard for the feelings or ideas of others.
I’ve seen this arrogance firsthand.
A former boss would dismiss our team’s ideas without consideration, asserting that his ideas were always superior.
This high-and-mighty attitude can create a toxic environment where employee input is stifled.
If your boss constantly dismisses others’ thoughts or ideas, it could be a sign of narcissism.
9) Obsessed with image
Interestingly, narcissistic employers can be excessively concerned about their image and how they are perceived by others.
This preoccupation often extends to the reputation of their team or company as well.
Psychologist Erich Fromm observed, “The narcissistic orientation is one in which one experiences as real only that which exists within oneself, while the phenomena in the outside world have no reality in themselves, but are experienced only from the viewpoint of their being useful or dangerous to one.”
This rings true for narcissistic bosses. They are more concerned with how things appear rather than how they actually are.
They may spend excessive time on perfecting presentations or obsessing over the team’s image rather than focusing on substantial work or the well-being of their employees.
If your boss seems overly concerned with appearances and perceptions, it could be a sign of narcissism.
10) Rarely gives credit where it’s due
One of the most frustrating behaviors of a narcissistic boss is their reluctance to give credit where it’s due. They often take credit for successes and deflect blame for failures.
I once worked on a project that was successful due to the collective efforts of the team.
However, during a company-wide meeting, our boss took all the credit without acknowledging anyone else’s contribution.
This lack of recognition can be demoralizing and is indicative of a narcissistic personality.
If your boss consistently takes credit for others’ work without acknowledging their contribution, you’re likely dealing with a narcissist.
Final words
Recognizing the subtle signs of narcissism in the workplace can be challenging, especially when it comes to bosses who master the art of manipulation and control.
From seeking constant admiration and lacking empathy to exploiting others without remorse and dismissing contributions, these behaviors can create a toxic work environment that drains your energy and morale.
While it’s important to maintain professionalism, it’s equally vital to protect your well-being and mental health.
If you find yourself working under a narcissistic boss, understanding these subtle cues can help you navigate the situation with awareness.
Ultimately, recognizing these patterns can empower you to set boundaries and take necessary steps to ensure your personal and professional growth is not compromised.
