Quiz: Is this a Narcissist At Work? Do I work with a narcissist?
- Sarah Davies
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Recognising narcissistic behaviour in the workplace can be challenging - especially if it's changeable or disguised as confidence or ambition. Yet, working for or alongside someone with a narcissistic personality can have a profound impact on your wellbeing, team dynamics and job satisfaction. If you've ever questioned whether a colleague or managers actions have crossed a line, this guide below - taken from Dr. Sarah Davies latest book "Narcissists At Work" may help you recognise the signs.
Do they constantly seek attention and admiration? Even for the smallest of tasks or non-work-related matters?
Do they regularly talk or brag or name-drop about their own accomplishments, contacts or status?
Do they unfairly take credit for your or the team‘s work, and not give credit where it’s due?
Do they lack empathy, understanding or compassion when you or others are struggling?
What happens if/when a mistake is made at work? Are they quick to react defensively? Are they quick to blame and shame others and/or not reflect on their own behaviours? Do they refuse to accept any responsibility?
Do they expect special treatment or behave as if they are more important than anyone else?
Do they react badly to any criticism – even if it’s constructive?
Do they push or not respect other people’s boundaries. i.e. not respect people’s time – contact people when they’re off sick or
on leave?
Do they manipulate others through fear or guilt-tripping in order to get what they want?
Do they try to surround themselves with people who protect, enable or flatter them?
Are they obsessed with their image, reputation or how people see them?
Are they charming and persuasive at times, only to be then demeaning, controlling and punitive as and when it serves them?
Do they only seem to have superficial or fairly short-lived rela- tionships professionally and/or personally?
Are they arrogant, haughty or rude?
Do they tend to like the sound of their own voice and dominate
and talk over others in meetings?
Do they appear envious or your or others‘ success or achieve-
ments?
Do they try to pit colleagues against one another to create a
competitive, mistrusting, unsupportive work environment?
Do they exaggerate, mislead or lie about their skills, experience or connections in order to appear more important or elite?
Do they seem to view relationships as transactional, only
‘helping’ others if there’s something to gain for themselves?
Do you feel stressed, anxious, ‘less than’ or drained following
interactions with them?
While this isn’t a diagnostic tool, these twenty statements, taken from Dr. Sarah Davies book "Narcissists At Work" give you an idea of the themes of narcissism at work. The higher the score, the more likely it is that this individual is a narcissist.
Either way if a toxic work-environment or colleague is impacting on your wellbeing, peace or career it may be helpful to seek profession support. In her book, Dr. Sarah outlines a framework she has devised called S.H.I.E.L.D. to help deal with narcissists in the workplace and difficult, toxic people and workplaces.
