How To Deal With Narcissists In The Workplace

Learn how to spot narcissists at work and get practical tips on how to deal with narcissists in the workplace and protect your career from sabotage.

When Maya joined the creative team at a mid-sized marketing firm, everyone sang the praises of Dana — the poised, articulate senior strategist with a calm demeanor and a supposed knack for mentoring.

At first, Maya admired Dana’s confidence. But within weeks, the compliments turned into backhanded comments. Dana would take credit for Maya’s ideas in meetings, subtly isolate her from the team, and craft narratives that painted herself as the victim if confronted.

Her manipulations were subtle, her tactics covert. Maya began to question her own instincts — a hallmark of those who work with covert narcissists at work.

What made Dana so dangerous was not overt aggression but her mastery of veiled control. She played the long game — positioning herself as the misunderstood hero while slowly eroding others’ confidence.

Behind closed doors, she planted seeds of doubt about Maya’s competence, sabotaged her presentations by withholding critical information, and made offhand “concerned” remarks about Maya’s reliability to leadership.

This wasn’t just toxic behavior — it was strategic character assassination. It’s how narcissists at work silently undermine others to secure their own status.

Contents

What is Narcissism?

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

While some level of self-confidence is healthy, narcissism goes beyond that — it becomes toxic when someone believes they are superior, craves constant validation, and manipulates others to serve their ego.

In the workplace, narcissism often shows up as entitlement, competitiveness, and a relentless pursuit of status at the expense of collaboration or fairness. Psychologists differentiate between overt and covert narcissism.

Overt narcissists are more obvious — they’re boastful, dominant, and attention-seeking. Covert narcissists, however, are harder to spot.

They may appear modest or sensitive on the surface but still harbor a strong sense of superiority and use passive-aggressive tactics to control others.

Understanding these traits is key to recognizing narcissists in the workplace before they create long-term damage.

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How to Spot Narcissistic Behavior

Narcissists in the workplace don’t wear a label. They blend in. But their behaviors leave a pattern — if you know what to look for.

Here are some classic signs:

Chronic need for admiration: They constantly seek validation and will often interrupt conversations to bring the focus back to themselves.
Lack of empathy: If you’re struggling, they’re disinterested — unless they can use it for their own image.
Blame-shifting: Mistakes are never theirs. You’ll find yourself apologizing for things you didn’t do.
Micromanagement masked as mentorship: They offer unsolicited advice, not to help, but to assert control.
Sabotage masked as support: They might “forget” to include you in important emails or provide misinformation, only to publicly question why you missed a deadline.

For example, a team lead may offer to help proofread your project, then send it late or incomplete, subtly blaming you in front of leadership. This kind of sabotage is where we see narcissists at work and the abuse of power play out most clearly.

Even more dangerous are covert narcissists at work — the ones who operate under the radar, quietly sabotaging colleagues while maintaining a polished, composed front. They manipulate perceptions, weaponize charm, and undermine from the shadows.

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How to Deal With Narcissists at Work

Dealing with narcissists in the workplace requires both emotional intelligence and tactical awareness. Here’s how to protect your reputation, peace of mind, and performance:

#1. Document Everything

Narcissists often gaslight others and rewrite events to shift blame or manipulate outcomes. Keep detailed records of emails, meeting notes, and project milestones. When they attempt to twist the facts, your documentation becomes your shield.

For example, if a narcissistic manager claims you missed a deadline, you can refer to a time-stamped email showing they delayed sharing key information. Evidence beats hearsay every time.

#2. Use the System to Your Advantage

If a narcissist’s behavior crosses professional lines, escalate strategically through HR or upper management. But first, gather a pattern of evidence to avoid it being dismissed as a personal conflict.

For example, if they repeatedly take credit for your work, maintain a paper trail showing your original contributions. When reporting, stay calm and focus on how their actions affect business outcomes, not just your feelings.

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#3. Establish Firm Boundaries

Narcissists will test your limits — emotionally, socially, and professionally. Set clear boundaries around your time, responsibilities, and communication. If they push for access to your personal life or overstep by micromanaging, politely but firmly redirect.

For instance, if they text you after hours with non-urgent tasks, respond during work hours with a brief: “Thanks, I’ll handle this first thing in the morning.”

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#4. Don’t Feed the Ego

Validation is fuel for narcissists. Avoid excessive praise or engaging in flattery, as it reinforces their need for dominance. Keep your interactions focused on facts and tasks.

For example, if they ask, “Didn’t I do a great job with the presentation?” you can reply, “The client’s feedback was positive,” without feeding their ego.

Keep compliments neutral and avoid emotional entanglement.

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#5. Build a Support Network

Narcissists isolate their targets to maintain control. Build strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other departments to create a buffer. Trusted allies can validate your experiences and offer support when things get tense.

For instance, if a narcissistic coworker spreads false narratives, a well-informed team member can help counteract those stories with facts or simply vouch for your credibility.

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#6. Stay Calm, Be Strategic

Narcissists thrive on emotional reactions — they bait you into overreacting, then use it against you (also known as reactive abuse).

Practice emotional detachment. If they insult your work in a meeting, respond with, “That’s an interesting perspective. I’d be happy to walk you through the data after the meeting.”

By staying composed and solutions-focused, you deny them the drama they crave and keep your professionalism intact.

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#7. Call Out Patterns Tactfully

When confronting a narcissist, avoid emotional language. Focus on facts, consistency, and documented patterns.

Instead of accusing them of “always undermining” you, say, “In the last two team meetings, you rephrased my proposal and presented it as your own. Can we clarify the credit on this project?”

Calm, evidence-based confrontation can make them think twice — especially in public or formal settings where image matters.

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Task-Based Non-Violent Communication

Dealing with narcissists in the workplace can be challenging, but you’re not powerless. They may try to sabotage your success or quietly undermine your credibility, but clarity, boundaries, and strategic communication can neutralize their power.

Managing narcissists at work is not about changing them — it’s about outsmarting their tactics, maintaining your integrity, and preserving your peace while asserting your boundaries.

Whether you’re directly collaborating or reporting to one, knowing how to manage narcissists at work can mean the difference between burnout and professional growth.

Understanding how to deal with narcissists in the workplace doesn’t just help you survive — it helps lead with clarity and resilience. In environments where ego tries to dominate, your authenticity becomes your greatest shield.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment. Do not ignore or delay seeking help due to this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. The authors are not liable for any consequences from applying the suggestions or information provided.

Priya Florence Shah

Priya Florence Shah is a bestselling author and an award-winning blogger. Check out her book on emotional self-care for women. Priya writes short stories and poetry and chills with her two-legged and four-legged kids in her spare time.

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