Navigating Choppy Waters: Working with Narcissists in Business

Let's face it, dealing with a narcissist on the job can be a real headache. They're often the ones with all the confidence, charming the socks off everyone—at first. But then you notice they're all about "me, me, me" and don't really care about who they step on to get to the top. Even if these people aren't full-blown narcissists, they may have tendencies that affect the flow of business. Here are a few tips for handling these situations:

Set Your Limits

You must draw a line in the sand. Let them know what flies and what doesn’t in your book. It’s like setting up an electric fence; it keeps the bulls from trampling your flowers.

Stick to the Facts

Keep the conversation super focused—think numbers, deadlines, deliverables. This way, you’re less likely to get sucked into an emotional whirlpool.

Don’t Get Sucked Into Their Drama

Narcissists love feeling like the boss of everything. Don’t get tangled up in trying to outdo them. Aim for win-win situations instead of trying to score points.

Keep It Cool and Professional

No matter how much they push your buttons, don’t let them see you sweat. Stay cool and remember it’s not about you, it’s just their thing.

Make the Most of Their Ambition

Hey, narcissists wanna shine, right? So, if you can get their goals to line up with what needs to be done at work, you might just get some serious mileage out of their drive.

Write It Down

Trust me, you want everything in writing. It’s your best defense against the “I never said that” routine.

Get Some Backup

Talk to someone who gets it—whether it’s a mentor or work buddy to help you stay sane and strategize.

Know When to Hit the Road

If all else fails and you’re just banging your head against a wall, it may be time to cut your losses. There's no shame in walking away from a deal that's doing you more harm than good.

Wrapping Up

Working with a narcissist can feel like juggling knives— it's tricky and kind of dangerous. With some smart moves and a solid sense of your own worth, you can steer through it without getting cut. Keep your cool, stay smart, and don't forget—you've got this!