Expert reveals 7 key signs to watch out for to know if you have a narcissistic boss

Nobody wants to be around a narcissistic boss, and knowing if you have one can help you decide whether to deal with them or move somewhere else.

Psychotherapist Amy Morin says not every boss with narcissistic tendencies has a full-blown personality disorder.

Instead, they might just show selfish and uncaring behavior, which can make work life tough.

“Narcissistic bosses can take a big toll on your happiness, your relationships and can even make you burn out,” Morin tells CNBC Make It.

A 2020 study from Pakistan showed that narcissistic leaders lower job satisfaction and well-being, increasing stress and the urge to quit, even though job performance remains largely unaffected.

According to Morin, a narcissistic boss often secures leadership roles due to their confident and knowledgeable appearance, traits that are especially valued during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or economic downturns.

In the end, these leaders usually cause more harm than good.

Here are seven signs that your boss is a narcissist:

1. They always talk like they’re in charge.

While sounding confident can be good for a leader, a narcissistic boss often uses it to make themselves look better, says Morin.

They might brag about their wins, claim to know everything or give orders without thinking about problems.

“They’ll talk and lead everyone so confidently,” Morin says. “But they’re probably not willing to entertain the idea of failure, or what to do if plans don’t work out.”

2. Admiration is more important to them than anything else.

Narcissistic bosses prefer employees who give them compliments over those who do better work, as they base their self-worth on admiration, says Morin.

Flattery often gets people far with these bosses, and they might even find ways to praise themselves in public, such as asking a close employee to share positive comments about them at a company-wide meeting.

3. They always try to take the credit.

A narcissistic boss always wants to be the star of the show, says Morin. They might steal credit for the company’s successes or even make problems just to fix them.

This fits their need for praise – they want everyone to thank them for “saving” the company.

4. They don’t care much about how others feel.

A narcissistic boss often has little patience for your work or personal problems. If you call in sick or face a family emergency, they may insist you should still work or make dismissive remarks.

Morin says they might question why you can’t work and dismiss requests for time off, deadline extensions, or help with tasks.

5. They never admit they’re wrong.

A narcissistic boss will never admit they’re wrong, says Morin. They’ll deny making mistakes and try to manipulate others into doubting themselves.

For instance, if they forget to give you work and you don’t finish it, they’ll say they told you and won’t admit they messed up or weren’t clear.

“They’ll swear up and down that they gave you the right directions,” Morin says. “They’ll gaslight you, try to make you feel crazy or that you’re not doing a good job.”

6. They think the rules don’t apply to them.

Morin says a narcissistic boss will do whatever they want to show they’re above the rules. They want to remind workers they’re better and get special treatment.

For instance, they might kick people out of meeting rooms for their own meetings or say they’re the only ones who can do certain things at work.

7. They use anger and bullying to get their way.

Narcissistic bosses often use anger and intimidation to control workers, says Morin. They might yell, slam things, or publicly humiliate people who disagree with them.

This is meant to scare people into keeping quiet.

These bosses also punish anyone who stands up to them to set an example for others.

In an ideal world, you wouldn’t have a narcissistic boss. However, since you can’t change their behavior, it’s important to recognize the signs, says Morin.

Once you identify these signs, you can set clear boundaries and not take their hurtful comments personally.

While quitting your job might not be an option, Morin notes that there are ways to manage the situation.

If your boss shows these seven signs, here’s a quick video on how to deal with a narcissistic boss:

Disclaimer: This article is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or opinion. It is strongly recommended to consult with qualified professionals for any mental health concerns or issues.