A Harvard professor reveals three signs that indicate your boss may be a narcissist, including not appearing to be listening and not learning from feedback.

Narcissists often end up in leadership positions due to their tendency to exaggerate their accomplishments, believe they deserve power, and exhibit overconfidence.

According to Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, who studies psychological safety in the workplace, the very traits that help someone with narcissistic tendencies secure a managing role are the same ones that make them an ineffective leader.

"Being a narcissist involves being self-centered, self-focused, and less concerned with others. However, leaders need to be others-oriented, which begins with self-awareness."

Here are three signs you're working for a narcissist.

1. They claim all credit and deflect blame

Edmondson states that narcissistic bosses tend to take credit for successes and shift blame onto others or external factors when things don't go well.

Sometimes their inability to give credit is masked by blanketed praise.

Edmonson remarks that it's evident they are not expressing gratitude in a particular manner, and it quickly becomes clear that their focus is solely on themselves.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who specializes in narcissistic and antagonistic personality types, stated to CNBC Make It that employees who succeed are also threatened, making it less likely for them to praise their direct reports.

"According to Durvasula, narcissistic bosses are talent hoarders who are threatened by the talent of their employees and want them to make them look good."

2. They don't listen

While a good manager communicates frequently and effectively, simply because a boss is speaking a lot does not necessarily mean it is advantageous to the team.

Edmondson states that while it's natural for them to explain, teach, and clarify goals, it's unhealthy and a sign of narcissism if they dominate the conversation and don't listen.

A narcissist believes that only their thoughts are valuable, making it difficult for them to listen to others.

"According to Edmonson, they do not seem to be paying attention and absorbing the information being presented. Their thought process does not appear to be influenced by what others are saying."

3. They constantly demand admiration

A narcissist may feel threatened by praise for a colleague and may become envious of their success or recognition.

"According to Edmondson, it is natural to be appreciative when someone on your team is doing great work. Praising others makes the praiser look good, especially if they are a boss. However, narcissists do not view it this way, missing out on the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate good work."

When someone looks up to or values another person, it can be uncomfortable for that person, even if they could potentially enhance their own management skills.

How to cope with a narcissistic boss

Recognizing warning signs can help you take actions to reduce damage.

Navigating a situation can be challenging, but seeking mentorship from someone outside your company can provide valuable insights and guidance. As Durvasula suggests, reaching out to a mentor and expressing your need for help can lead to valuable wisdom.

To secure a raise or promotion, it's not enough to rely on your boss's support. Instead, it's crucial to gather proof of your contributions to the success of specific projects.

Rewritten sentence: "I have a great idea for a new project that could benefit our company."

"Durvasula emphasizes the importance of documenting one's progress by saving all the bricks made during the creation of a final piece of work. He suggests sharing this progress with others through email, which serves as a time stamp."

Coping with a toxic boss may be aided by certain actions, but it is unlikely to decrease their narcissistic tendencies. In fact, research indicates that people with narcissistic traits are unlikely to change, and any change would be minimal and occur over an extended period of time.

Durvasula suggests that looking for another job might be the best course of action.

""It's not sustainable to work for a narcissistic boss in the long run," she emphasizes."

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