Dealing with a Narcissistic Boss
Narcissistic Personality: a personality disorder characterized by extreme self-centeredness and self-absorption, fantasies involving unrealistic goals, an excessive need for attention and admiration, and disturbed interpersonal relationships.
Steven Demaio wrote and great post, “Leading When You Don’t Have Formal Authority”, In that post he talks about three principles. The one I liked the most and so often see is…
Demonstrate excellence without being cocky or solicitous of approval. “Bearing the burden of someone else’s ego is always a turn-off, whether the ego is already big or in need of puffing up. When an ego-driven person is your direct manager, you just hold your nose and do your best to perform in spite of the stench… Needy leaders are rarely inspiring.”
Just as an FYI to you…this is a problem that isn’t going to resolve itself, as vanity (excessive pride in one’s self, qualities, abilities, achievements) is rewarded in our society. Your ego driven boss is probably getting support from every one of his/her supervisors for this kind of behavior.
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