How to detect and deal with a narcissist at work?

The world of work makes us meet and rub shoulders with different types of personalities. Among these people, some can be particularly harmful as is the case of the narcissist. How to detect a narcissist at work ? How to face him? 

The characteristics of the narcissist at work

Narcissists at work have been an increasingly discussed topic in recent years. Indeed, the phenomenon is growing and many companies are affected. How is the manipulator characterized in a professional environment?

The obsession with power and control

As in a couple relationship, the narcissist seeks power and control. For this reason, he needs a prey or a victim on which he will place his hold. Generally speaking, it is easier for the narcissist to control his subordinates when he is a manager.

Manipulation and blaming others

With his narcissistic disorder, the narcissist is able to manipulate and blame his victim(s). He always tends to pass the errors on to others.

The search for domination and superiority

This person will seek to demonstrate his dominance and devalues ​​his colleagues to make him feel superior. He can then harass them morally and uses verbal and psychological violence..

Lack of remorse and empathy

Faced with his actions, the narcissist shows no guilt. He does not respect his colleagues and destroys them psychologically. To destabilize them, he uses incoherent, often arbitrary, confused and paradoxical remarks.

7 signs of moral harassment by a narcissist at work

It should be noted that harassment at work is punishable by law and that it is possible to protect against attacks from a narcissist. However, the pervert does not take this into account, because he feeds on the feelings of others, even in a professional setting. Here are some signs of workplace harassment:

Sign 1: Relentlessness is one person at a time

The narcissist at work picks on one person at a time. It will then choose a victim and destroy it before looking for another prey. The daily attacks are not only on the quality of work. Indeed, the narcissist will try to annihilate its prey by all means.

Sign 2: Moral harassment has no objective reason

In most cases, harassment has no reason to exist. The narcissist chooses a person who could overshadow him.

Sign 3: The narcissist at work prevents his victim from expressing himself

To have the control over his victim and to weaken it, the narcissist will prevent its prey from expressing itself. It can also prevent him from defending himself through denigration of his work, his private life and threats.

Sign 4: Isolate the victim

Through his charisma, the narcissist is able to influence other colleagues. He moves them away from his victim so that the latter is isolated.

Sign 5: Discrediting the victim with the collective

Always with the aim of weakening his victim, the narcissist will discredit him with slander and rumors.

Sign 6: Professionally discrediting the victim

In addition to personal attacks, the narcissist can also harm his victim professionally. He will then entrust him with tasks that do not correspond to his skills. Or, he puts his victim in difficulty with missions that exceed his skills.

Sign 7: Attacking the physical integrity of the victim

The narcissist can entrust dangerous missions to his victim or threaten him and even attack him physically. When the victim feels in danger, the narcissist can dominate him completely.

How to spot a narcissist at work?

narcissists at work are fairly easy to spot. They are perfect smooth talkers who tend to distort reality to their advantage.. They don’t hesitate to lie, whether about colleagues or customers. In addition, the narcissists always give vague orders, unjustified reproaches and never real signs of satisfaction.

The consequences of the behavior of the narcissist at work

The narcissist are megalomaniac tyrants and their actions can have terrible repercussions on their victims. They go through hell on a daily basis and feel infantilized, stressed and made to feel guilty.. Here are some effects of the narcissist at work:

• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Isolation and deterioration of interpersonal relationships
• The loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
• The impact on job performance

How to deal with the narcissist at work?

If you work with a narcissist, it must be understood that it is suffering from a pathological disorder. The best way to deal with him is to not respond to his attacks. So, avoid contact with him as much as possible. Just stick to professional relationships. In this sense, forget the personal conversations with the narcissist, because he will use them against you.

When you detect a narcissist in your workplace, it is best to stick to superficial conversations. As it thrives on conflict, avoid conflict with the narcissist. To annoy his victim, he will use all possible means. Above all, do not concede to his provocations and above all do not show your emotions.

Remember to stay calm and internalize your emotions. When he attacks you, do not justify yourself and use short sentences. Make sure you always have written records of your exchanges (e-mail, SMS) and have witnesses to your conversations. In this way, he will not be able to contradict you.

How to protect yourself from a narcissist at work?

To protect yourself from a narcissist in your workplace, there are a few tips to consider:

• Do not show your emotions and do not reveal anything about your personal life,
• Avoid sympathizing with the narcissist,
• Be well surrounded,
• Work on self-esteem: To regain your self-confidence and rebuild yourself, you can ask a professional for help. This is a great way to free yourself from the grip of a pervert when you fall prey to it.