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How to deal with a narcissistic boss in the workplace?

Ever feel like no matter how much effort is put into work, the boss always takes the credit or blames for their mistakes? You’re not alone. Many employees face this issue. A study found that organizations often appoint people with narcissistic characteristics to leadership positions. They tend to make themselves feel superior. This often creates a toxic environment, making it difficult for team members to feel valued. 

As a result, employees may experience increased stress and frustration, which affect both their job performance and overall well-being. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward finding effective ways to cope and protect mental health in the workplace.

6 Practical ways to work with a narcissistic boss 

Working under a narcissistic boss isn’t easy but not impossible as well. Here are the 6 effective tips for coping with a narcissistic boss while maintaining professionalism and not compromising on mental health. 

  1. Set clear boundaries: Narcissistic bosses often mix personal and professional spaces giving too many tasks and expecting their employees to work after office hours. To avoid this, clearly communicate the working hours and don’t take on extra work that could harm health. This approach helps maintain personal limits without challenging their authority. Over time, they will adjust to it, making it easier to protect time and well-being.
  1. Balancing expectation: Expecting a narcissistic boss to act rationally often leads to disappointment. It’s wiser to stay detached and keep expectations low. Their comments are usually meant to boost their ego, so it’s better not to take them personally. Lowering expectations reduces emotional dependence and lessens the impact of their narcissistic behaviour on well-being.
  1. Build a supportive network: Dealing with a narcissistic boss can be isolating, but the right emotional support makes a significant difference in maintaining well-being. So it is always useful to build a supportive network inside and outside the workplace. For personalised support, Purplenest by nehal is here to help. Book a session to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions. 
  1. Pick Arguments wisely: Dealing with a narcissistic boss often involves facing unnecessary arguments designed to showcase their dominance. Getting involved in every disagreement can drain energy and motivation. That’s why, it’s important to know when to respond and when to let things go. Instead of trying to win against a narcissist, which usually leads to frustration, it’s better to focus on work and what matters for the career. Taking this approach helps in protecting peace of mind.
  1. Control your emotions: Learning to control emotions is important for protecting mental health when dealing with a narcissistic boss. They often try to provoke reactions through criticism to feel powerful. This can lead to heightened stress levels. Practising mindfulness techniques like yoga or meditation can help reduce stress and maintain calm. Staying composed in front of a narcissist makes it harder for them to use emotions against others. 
  1. Know when to leave: Recognizing when to leave a narcissistic boss is vital for personal well-being and professional growth. Constant criticism and a stressful environment can negatively impact mental health. Keep in mind that no job is more important than mental health. Thus, if it continues, it’s wiser to leave that job and seek a healthier workplace.

Conclusion 

Working under a narcissistic boss can be tough, but it’s important to remember that self-care and mental health come first. By recognizing toxic behaviours and taking these steps, individuals can protect their mental well-being. This will create a more positive and satisfying work life.

About Author

Nehal, a leading Career Counsellor in Delhi NCR, offers comprehensive student counselling services, including personal therapy for students, anxiety therapy for students, stress therapy for students, addiction counselling for students, and low self-esteem support for students. With over 3000 students and parents mentored through her NGOs, she brings a deep understanding of child psychology and the education sector to her practice. Her qualifications in counselling psychology and additional certifications in parenting, holistic healing, and career counselling equip her to provide holistic mental health support and effective career guidance.

PurpleNest, under Nehal’s leadership, is committed to fostering student wellness through therapy for exam anxiety, family therapy, and student mental health programs. Don’t let academic stress or career uncertainty hold you back. Reach out to PurpleNest today for personalised support and expert advice.

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