Hello friends, the work climate marked by tension, anxiety, criticism, low productivity ... Narcissists at work undermine all dynamics, initiative and even the simplest activity. These are profiles that always need to be the center of attention and take all the merits through a strategy as elemental as destructive: sabotaging the rights and welfare of others.
The experts in personality psychology tell us that everyone, at some point in our lives, will find ourselves with a narcissistic profile. Now, when we find a co-worker, manager or any other position in a work context, the situation becomes as complicated as it is exhausting.
It is not easy to deal with the narcissists at work on a day-to-day basis.
Their behavior is often as irrational as it is exhausting and if we do not have strategies to defend ourselves, our quality of life may be affected. In fact, although there are studies, such as the one carried out by the University of Illinois and published in the journal Psychological Science, that tell us that the narcissistic profile is shrinking in recent years, there is a fact that we can not stop sideways.
It is essential to know how to handle those who already live with us, without succumbing and without losing a bit of ground in front of those who want everything: the narcissists. Let's see how.
Narcissists at work, how to recognize them?
Also, one aspect should be understood. There are people who can present some other narcissistic trait. Others, however, fall within that small percentage of the population that presents a clear narcissistic personality disorder. There is therefore a spectrum where certain people show each characteristic and others can become more manageable and even correct their behavior somewhat when a warning is given.
Let's see, however, how narcissists are at work, those more classic profiles that cause havoc among colleagues and for the organization itself.
- They seek to be the center of attention.
- They want to take all the merits.
- They make use of lies to achieve what they want.
- They do not hesitate to put others in evidence and ridicule them.
- They will never admit that we have done something right.
- They sabotage the work of others.
- They do not take responsibility for their mistakes, they manage to make others blame for their failures and incompetence.
- We are before a personality marked by envy.
- Often, they push others to carry out unethical behaviors.
Likewise, in a study published by psychologists Sander Thomaes and Bram Bushman of the University of Utrecht it is pointed out that it is very common for the narcissist to dazzle us at first. It can be that boss or that accessible, assertive and pleasant companion with whom to get along at the beginning. However, over time they end up revealing their real intentions.
How to survive before narcissists at work?
Narcissists at work can make us feel burned out, exhausted, sinking our hopes to grow at work. The issue is even more complex when this profile defines our superior or that manager who is always above the rights of his workers. Thus, and when these situations become extreme, it will always be advisable to ask for work advice.
On the other hand, it is advisable to also be very clear about certain aspects. Very basic dimensions that can help us not to mortgage our motivation or our objectives.
Meet the narcissist, understand their weaknesses
Thus, it is interesting to remember that what this profile craves the most is admiration and recognition. Your weak point is your self-esteem, never forget it. Therefore, it will be helpful to take into account the following aspects.
A narcissist always demands immediate attention: he feeds on it. Do not lend it. Make him see that for you his presence is secondary, your priority is your work, your work and objectives. If the narcissist is our superior, we will avoid obeying the first one or meet his demands immediately (especially if they are not relevant and if he only seeks to expose us).
Your needs are ahead
The narcissist demands, demands, humiliates, lies, only takes into account himself and sees no more ground than that which surrounds his own person. In the face of this behavior, let us assert our needs and rights. If something does not seem right, let's justify the reason why speaking in the first person assertively to show his lack of empathy; let's not give in or fall into its stifling network.
All in writing
Narcissists at work, as we already know, practice a single task: demanding from others. Therefore, the best thing is that all lawsuits remain in writing in whatever form, by email, courier, etc. If at any time contradictory information appears or an incident arises, we need to be able to demonstrate where a certain order or requirement originated.
Do not fall for their traps
The narcissist always craves to know things about us to use them in his favor. Also, it is common that at the beginning look for our closeness to create complicity and obtain information. Avoid falling into their traps, avoid talking about our personal lives, be cautious when sharing information and opinions with this type of profile because at any time, you can use against us.
Be clear about your values and labor rights
Therefore, it is vital that we remember what our values are and that we are well advised
Conclusion
Narcissists at work can be highly problematic. Sometimes, they can derive in clear behaviors of harassment or mobbing, in other cases, and to avoid these situations many workers choose to leave their position. It is not easy, we know it, but to the extent that it is possible for us it is necessary to set limits and not give in to this type of behaviors that are still frequent today.
Thank you friend, this is all for today I hope to see you in my next publication.
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