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Managing Your Narcissistic Manager

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It is not surprising that relationships with line managers are a frequent area of concern that many of my clients want to improve on. What has surprised me is the number of times bosses are described as being narcissistic in their behaviour.

Dealing with a narcissistic manager can be a challenging experience. It's important to remember that their behavior is not a reflection of your abilities or performance. Here are some suggestions for managing a narcissistic manager:

  1. Understand their behavior: Narcissistic managers often have an inflated sense of self-importance and can be demanding and critical. Recognizing their behavior patterns can help you better navigate interactions with them.
  2. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and expectations for communication and workload. Be assertive, but professional, in communicating your needs and limitations.
  3. Focus on results: Narcissistic managers may be more concerned with their own success than their team's. Emphasize the positive impact your work is having on the organization and highlight your achievements.
  4. Seek support: If the situation becomes unbearable, seek support from HR or a trusted mentor. It's important to have a support system in place to help you manage the stress and emotional toll of working with a difficult manager.

Remember, you are not alone in dealing with a narcissistic manager. By setting boundaries, focusing on results, and seeking support, you can navigate this challenging situation and continue to thrive in your role.

Dealing with a narcissistic manager can be a tough and stressful experience. Here are some additional tips that you can consider to help you manage the situation:

  1. Avoid playing their game: Narcissistic managers tend to manipulate people and situations to their advantage. Don't fall into their trap by engaging in their drama or trying to outdo them. Instead, stay focused on your goals and responsibilities.
  2. Document everything: Keep a record of your interactions with your manager, including emails, memos, and notes from meetings. This can help you present a clear and factual account of any issues that arise.
  3. Find common ground: While it can be challenging, try to find areas of agreement or common interest with your manager. This can help build a more positive working relationship and make it easier to communicate effectively.
  4. Take care of yourself: Working with a narcissistic manager can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. Make sure to take care of yourself by taking breaks, exercising, and seeking support from friends and family.

Remember, it's not your fault that your manager behaves in a narcissistic way. By understanding their behaviour, setting clear boundaries, focusing on results, seeking support, avoiding playing their game, documenting everything, finding common ground, and taking care of yourself, you can successfully manage this challenging situation.

www.cross-house.ie

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