After a year of leave I've just returned to work only to be met with a new narcissistic boss. I looked up the definition and they tick every box, especially the part about needing to take all the credit and trying to sabotage anyone (ie me!) who is very competent and threatens to outshine them. My old boss knew I was very capable and respected my hard efforts and successes, and allowed me to work autonomously. I loved my job and the freedom and respect I was given. Now, after only a few weeks back I'm so depressed with this same job, my anxiety is through the roof, and i don't know what to do. To change jobs would require moving towns and uprooting my whole family, but to stay is to work everyday stressed, depressed and walking on egg shells. How have other people dealt with a narcissistic boss?
5 Replies
There really is no way with these people, they will trample you no matter what you've done or headway you think you've made on a relationship.
Best option is to change jobs, get out early. Or build him up to move him on so he's not in your circle anymore.
Yep I agree. I've worked with a narcissist and they blame everyone else! It was only when I left my job and things went to shit that everyone worked out they did nothing! They then got asked to leave!
Charm him or her. Play the game. Give them praise. Let them.see you're on their side. It really is the only way unfortunately to get along with a narcissist or they will make your life a living hell if they think you're against them. Whilst putting on this front, keep a record of everything they do thats not professional. Exclusion, bullying, unrealistic standards etc for you and what you witness happening to other staff, and eventually lodge a complaint with upper management and report her for workplace bullying and harrassment with your States work thing.
I worked under a boss that was either a narcissist, sociopath or both. She was an evil, lying, manipulative, twisted witch. The division she created within the staff and the damage she did in the workplace is still felt even though she has been gone for 2 years no doubt casting her evil over others. These kinds of people will never understand the severe negative impact they have on the lives of those they are supposed to guide and nurture under their leadership and if they did they wouldn’t care because they believe they are superior and faultless. My advice is to leave rather than be treated like a turd on your boss’ shoe day after day. Karma will get him eventually just like it did my boss but the hurt can never be undone. Good luck xoxo PS Document everything!
I worked with a narcissist, wasn't my boss but they thought and acted like they were. Non stop put downs and with her always telling me how good, motivated, how much passion, how amazing she was, and she would take credit for everything and give me zero! Ended with me in tears and crying non stop for 2 days straight. I told her straight we had a personality clash and told my real boss I would not work with her anymore. Best thing I could have done. Do you have someone in upper management you can go to about them? ... If it is bullying behavior start recording everything then report the bullying, it is illegal in australia.