20 Signs Your Boss Is a Narcissist

Written By Lisa Marley

In the workplace, it can be challenging to identify when a boss exhibits narcissistic tendencies. They can show up in all manner of ways that might be easily overlooked. To help you out with that, here are 20 key indicators that your boss might be a narcissist.

Lack of Empathy

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A narcissistic boss often shows little to no empathy towards employees and may dismiss personal issues, showing no concern for your well-being. Such a lack of compassion can create a cold and hostile work environment where employees feel undervalued and unheard. In fact, the National Institutes for Health claims that lack of empathy is one of the key signs of narcissism.

Constant Need for Admiration

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Another hallmark of a narcissistic boss is an incessant desire for praise. They frequently seek validation and compliments, often taking credit for the work of others. This constant need for admiration can overshadow the team’s achievements, making it difficult for others to receive recognition.

Superiority Complex

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When your boss believes they are superior to everyone around them, it often goes hand in hand with their looking down on employees. They may belittle your ideas and dismiss suggestions without consideration. This attitude can stifle creativity and innovation within the team, as employees feel their input is undervalued.

Manipulative Behavior

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A narcissistic boss uses manipulation to maintain control and power. They may twist facts, play employees against each other, and use guilt to get what they want. This manipulative behavior creates a toxic atmosphere, eroding trust and cooperation among team members.

Lack of Accountability

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Anyone who avoids responsibility is showing a common trait of narcissistic leaders. So, when your boss rarely admits to mistakes and often blames others for any issues that arise, that’s not a good sign. Such a strong lack of accountability can lead to a culture of fear, where employees are reluctant to take risks or speak up.

Excessive Arrogance

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An inflated sense of self-importance is a key sign of a narcissistic boss. These people will often behave arrogantly and believe they are always right while dismissing others’ opinions without a second thought. Arrogance like that can create a divisive environment, hindering effective collaboration and communication.

Exploitative Tendencies

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Narcissistic bosses frequently exploit employees for their gain. They may overwork staff, promise rewards they never intend to deliver, and take advantage of employees’ dedication. This exploitation leads to burnout and dissatisfaction among team members.

Lack of Boundaries

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Respect for personal and professional boundaries is not a priority for a narcissistic boss. Instead, they’re more likely to intrude on your personal time, expecting you to be available at all hours. By doing that, they’re showing a disregard for boundaries that can lead to a poor work-life balance and increased stress.

Grandiose Expectations

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Unrealistic expectations are a common tactic of narcissistic leaders who demand perfection and set unattainable goals, often without providing the necessary support. Bosses behaving like that are directly creating a high-pressure environment, where failure is common and morale is low.

Emotional Volatility

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A narcissistic boss often displays unpredictable emotional reactions and may have sudden outbursts of anger or become overly enthusiastic about minor successes. Nobody likes such emotional volatility as it makes it challenging for employees to gauge how to interact with them, leading to a tense workplace atmosphere.

Sense of Entitlement

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Anyone who believes they deserve special treatment will often act entitled. This includes narcissistic bosses who often expect others to cater to their needs and may disregard company policies that apply to everyone else. A sense of entitlement like that can breed resentment and unfairness within the team.

Public Criticism

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Criticizing employees in public is also a common behavior of a narcissistic boss. They may humiliate you in front of colleagues, undermining your confidence and self-esteem. This public criticism creates a culture of fear and discourages open communication – it’s not a nice situation!

Lack of Genuine Relationships

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You won’t find many narcissistic bosses who build genuine connections with employees. These people often maintain superficial relationships, using people only for their benefit. A lack of genuine rapport can result in a disconnected and unmotivated team.

Focus on Appearance

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A narcissistic boss often places great importance on appearances. They are more concerned with how things look rather than how they function. This focus can lead to superficial solutions and a lack of attention to underlying issues within the team.

Inability to Accept Criticism

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Narcissistic bosses often react defensively or dismissively to any form of critique. They really don’t like feedback in any way, shape, or form unless it’s positive. They have a real inability to accept criticism, which can hinder personal and professional growth and stifle innovation within the team.

Micromanagement

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A desire for control often leads a narcissistic boss to micromanage. They have difficulty delegating tasks and trust others to complete work independently. This micromanagement stifles creativity and can be highly demoralizing for employees. It’s really not a good position to be in.

Using Others as Pawns

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Treating employees as mere tools to achieve their goals is a common trait of narcissistic leaders, and we see it all too often. Those leaders may manipulate or use people without considering their needs or aspirations, and this behavior leads to a sense of exploitation and can lead to high turnover rates.

Constant Comparison

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A narcissistic boss often compares you to others to make you feel inadequate. They might highlight your shortcomings in contrast to someone else’s achievements. This constant comparison creates a competitive and hostile work environment, eroding team cohesion.

Overemphasis on Success

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When your boss places an excessive focus on personal and organizational success, they might be a narcissist. This goes hand in hand with ignoring the process and the people involved. Such behavior can lead to unethical practices and a disregard for employee well-being.

Resistance to Change

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Adapting to new ideas or methods is challenging for narcissistic leaders. They resist change that doesn’t originate from them, often clinging to outdated practices. This resistance can stifle innovation and hinder the organization’s growth and adaptability.

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