How to Deal with a Narcissistic Boss

Co-authored by Liana Georgoulis, PsyD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: June 12, 2022 References

Are you finding it hard to work underneath a boss who doesn’t respect you? A narcissistic boss can make your work environment tough to handle—they might cross your boundaries, take credit for your work, or have random, unexplained mood swings. Fortunately, there are concrete steps you can take to protect your mental health and make your job that much easier. Read on for a full list of things you can do to deal with a narcissistic boss.

1

Set and maintain boundaries.

Setting boundaries helps you take back the power in your relationship. If your boss crosses the line, firmly tell them, “That wasn’t okay,” and then walk away. Your boss may try to push your boundaries or berate you for them, so just remember that you’re in the right here.^{[1]
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- In general, your boundaries should be centered around professionalism. No yelling, no name-calling, and no talking over you.
- Most narcissists lack empathy, meaning they can’t see things from your point of view. You might have to really spell out why something hurt your feelings, or why you’re upset.

2

Validate your boss’s ego.

This is a great way to get on a narcissist’s good side. Narcissists don’t like it when people challenge them, so the more you two can be on the same page, the better. Let them know when you like an idea, and try not to belittle or blame them, especially in public.^{[2]
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Research source} It can feel strange to boost their already high ego, but if you want to stay in your boss’s good graces, it’s important to do this occasionally.
- “I think that will really improve profits this quarter. Good idea.”
- “I definitely agree with that strategy. Nice one, Mark.”

3

Keep your interactions professional.

Any personal information you share could be used against you. Your boss may try to butter you up and get you to share things about yourself, but they might turn around and throw that in your face later. When you’re at work, focus on your job, and don’t let your boss rope you into any deep discussions about your personal life.^{[3]
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- Try not to get emotional around your boss, either. It can be tough to hold it together when they’re yelling or being super rude, but the more you can remain stoic and calm, the better.

4

Make yourself valuable to your boss.

The more valuable you are, the more your boss wants to keep you around. Remind your boss just how much they need you in the workplace. Try to subtly remind your boss about all the work you do at your job, and casually mention just how tough it would be if you left.^{[4]
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Research source} Your boss might try to make you feel like you’re “less-than,” but don’t fall for it—it’s a classic narcissistic trait that stems from insecurity.
- “I think I’m the only one in the building who knows how to run this program.”
- “I can call that client. I’ve been in charge of their account for years.”

5

Document everything that happens.

Your boss may try to deny their behavior or things they said to you. Get a paper trail of anything you can, and hold onto it for future reference. If you have an in-person conversation with your boss that isn’t recorded, send a follow-up email to your boss detailing everything that was discussed. That way, if they try to deny something later, you have proof.^{[5]
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- Keep your evidence someplace else besides your work computer. That way, if your boss gets access to your proof, you have it saved somewhere else.

6

Correct misinformation.

Your boss might try to tell lies or blame you directly. Narcissists will often lie to put others down and make themselves look better, so you may hear your boss throwing you under the bus occasionally (or a lot). When that happens, calmly step in and present the correct information without directly stating that your boss was wrong.^{[6]
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Harvard Business Review
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- “In case anyone was unclear about that late report, I’d like to let you all know that it was a team effort, and we’ve all vowed to get better at time management together.”
- “I’d like to clarify something that was said at the meeting yesterday. We did lose a client, but not because of a mistake on our part. They left because their business is moving out of state.”

7

Keep negative feelings to yourself.

Gossiping with your coworkers may come around to bite you. You’re probably not the only one suffering underneath your narcissistic boss, so it may feel tempting to chat about the craziness that happens at work. However, if your boss gets wind of the gossip between you and your coworkers, it could make you look bad. Keep your feelings to yourself until you get home and can vent to someone neutral.^{[7]
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Harvard Business Review
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- Talking badly about your boss behind their back (however justified it may be) also undermines your credibility, which is the last thing you want in this situation.

8

Talk to your boss one-on-one.

Narcissists do better one-on-one because they don’t feel attacked. Sit down with your boss and let them know that their behavior isn’t acceptable, and ask them to change. Use your voice as an employee, and make it clear that you won’t stay at your job unless they switch things up.^{[8]
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Harvard Business Review
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- “I really appreciate how hard you push us to reach our deadlines. However, I don’t find it encouraging when you call us names to get us to work faster. I love my job, and I’d hate to have to find a position somewhere else.”

9

Contact HR.

Your HR representative can help open a dialogue with your boss. Approach your HR team and ask to speak with them about your boss’s behavior. Your HR rep can then call a meeting with the both of you to talk about what needs to change and how you can move forward.^{[9]
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- Having a third-party can be helpful when dealing with a narcissist. It’s nice to have someone around to back you up. If there are 2 people telling your boss that their behavior isn’t okay, they might actually listen.

10

Start looking for a new job if you need to.

Unfortunately, narcissists aren’t likely to change their ways. If you’ve tried toughing it out or meeting with your boss one-on-one and nothing has gotten better, it’s time to update your resume. Start looking for a job with a better workplace environment where the boss will treat you with respect, because you deserve it.^{[10]
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- If you do decide to quit, expect some pushback from your boss when the time comes. Just remember that if they haven’t changed already, they’re probably not going to change in the future.

11

Practice self-care.

Your well-being might take a hit while working under a boss like this. It’s totally normal if you feel stressed or worn out after work. Take the time to do something nice for yourself every day: soak in a bubble bath, take a nature walk, or play with a pet. The more you can relax and get your mind off of things, the better you’ll feel.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
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- Try to maintain a good work-life balance, too. Your life doesn’t have to revolve around your job, and taking that much-needed time off can really improve your mental health.