*Using fear, guilt, shame, punishment and manipulation to gain compliance and control. *Exhibiting extremely competitive behavior. *Taking personal credit for the work of individuals or the team. Searching for narcissistic personalities in the workplace is no luxury—it's a necessity.
However many narcissists do achieve positions of authority chiefly perhaps due to ruthless competitiveness and empire building Narcissism is positively related to counterproductive workplace behaviours; initiating rumours, sabotage and ridicule of others efforts, aggression, wasting other employees time, anti-team ...
The main issue arises when they begin interfering with the professional lives of their coworkers. They try to influence them negatively by undermining their morale and showing no appreciation or sympathy towards them. Narcissists always appear superior and look down on their coworkers.
Narcissistic bosses will start being cold or cruel towards their employee as a way of trying to maintain control over them even after the relationship has ended, because this narcissistic boss believes that if someone leaves, then he or she must be "better" than them, which feeds the person's false sense of superiority ...
Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by equally special people. Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important. Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without questioning them. Take advantage of others to get what they want.
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, author, and the host of "The Verywell Mind Podcast." She says despite their negative traits, narcissists can often be very successful in the workplace. This is due to their charisma, extreme self-confidence, and willingness to take big risks.
Interrupting and monopolizing conversations: Narcissists tend to present as self-absorbed, and they prioritize their thoughts and needs before everyone else's. As a result, they often interrupt, ignore, or hog the attention.
One of the most common ways a narcissist, especially the covert types, will try to test you is through the silent treatment. They will simply stay silent and ignore you because they want to get a rise out of you. They want you to go back to them and grovel for their forgiveness and validation.
Narcissists can be charming, high-functioning professionals who leave you with a very positive first impression. They are often charismatic, hard-working, full of ideas, and able to infect others with their own enthusiasm.
Narcissistic rage is common for those with NPD as they grow increasingly angry with any display of vulnerability. This anger can be triggered when they are “called out,” their image has been damaged, or their shortcomings or wrongdoings are highlighted.
A monumental weakness in the narcissist is the failure to look internally and flesh out what needs to be worked on. Then, of course, the next step is to spend time improving. The narcissist sabotages any possibility of looking deep within.
Narcissists expect to get what they want and often believe they are owed or deserving of time with their friends. This may look like demanding that you spend time with them or getting angry or going into a fit of rage with you if you cancel plans.
Cerebral narcissists, also known as intellectual narcissists, are individuals who try to fulfill their narcissistic supply through their perceived intelligence. While intellectual narcissists are generally smart, they may present as if they are more educated than they really are.
Highly empathetic
Individuals who have a high level of empathy are extremely appealing to narcissists because narcissists crave acknowledgment and validation for their thoughts and feelings (clinically, being "mirrored").
Frequently changing jobs: Since they believe they know best, covert narcissists will have frequent conflicts with bosses or in places of employment. They may move from job to job to avoid being fired.
Final Thoughts on the Red Flags of a Narcissist
Narcissistic individuals often exhibit traits such as a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and an inflated sense of self-importance. It's essential to understand that dealing with a narcissist can be draining and challenging.
Apologize. If you've heard someone say, “Narcissists never apologize,” they're not exactly right. While many traits of narcissism like entitlement, elitism, and arrogance make it unlikely someone with narcissistic traits will go the apology route, apologies are sometimes used with ulterior motives.