A psychologist advises on coping with a narcissistic boss in the long term.

A psychologist advises on coping with a narcissistic boss in the long term.
A psychologist advises on coping with a narcissistic boss in the long term.

A narcissistic boss can ruin a dream job and your psyche.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who specializes in narcissistic and antagonistic personality types, says that sometimes the damage caused by a narcissistic partner or relative can be even more severe than that left by a narcissistic personality. Durvasula has a new show, Dr. Ramani Network, on the interactive streaming platform Fireside where she discusses various mental health issues.

"A narcissistic boss can do significant harm, even if we spend a considerable portion of our waking hours at work."

An employee with NPD will never acknowledge your contributions or own up to their own errors. They may become angry if confronted, while expecting unending praise. Their lack of compassion will prevent them from treating you fairly, and they often hinder your career growth.

"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."

Studies reveal that individuals with narcissistic traits are unlikely to alter their behavior, and any changes would be minimal and occur gradually over an extended period.

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

Coping with a narcissistic boss can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the situation if you can't quit or find a new job easily.

1. Document the harm.

To file a complaint with HR, you must gather evidence of your mistreatment, such as emails, written comments, screenshots of messages, and any other data that demonstrates your boss's chronic behavior.

"Durvasula states that showing up with just one piece of evidence is not enough; it requires years of evidence."

But don't expect workplace resources to be all that helpful.

"Realistic expectations are important," she emphasizes. "The kinds of things that happen often go unnoticed. They are often seen as personality differences by workplace structures. There are often no formal ways to seek assistance."

2. Leave fingerprints on your work.

To ensure that a narcissistic boss recognizes your achievements, it's crucial to leave clear indications of your contributions.

If you've worked on a report, be sure to keep all previous drafts. If you are pitching your boss an idea, be sure to include others on the email or message when you send it along.

"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."

3. Seek mentorship.

Discussing your industry-related issues with someone outside your company can help you feel heard and find solutions to your specific challenges.

"Navigating a situation with a narcissist can be challenging," Durvasula says. "Instead of keeping it to yourself, seek guidance from a mentor. They may offer valuable advice."

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by Aditi Shrikant

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