When Your Coworker Is a Narcissist
When Your Coworker Is a Narcissist
A narcissistic workplace dynamic doesn't always involve a boss.
Sometimes the person creating the chaos is sitting right beside you.
A coworker may undermine you, compete with you, take credit for your work, manipulate other colleagues, or create conflict while presenting themselves as the victim.
Because you don't have authority over the person, the situation can feel particularly difficult to navigate.
Watch the pattern, not one interaction
A coworker taking credit for an idea once may simply be a misunderstanding.
But if the same person repeatedly:
Takes credit for other people's work
Undermines colleagues privately
Spreads information selectively
Creates conflict between coworkers
Attempts to make themselves indispensable
Positions themselves as the victim
Takes credit when things go well
Blames others when things go wrong
Tries to isolate or discredit someone
you may be dealing with a larger pattern.
Don't let yourself be pulled into the competition
If someone is trying to provoke you, your instinct may be to prove yourself.
You may want everyone to know what really happened.
You may want to expose the other person.
But reacting emotionally can sometimes give the conflict more energy.
Instead, focus on your work, your professionalism, and appropriate documentation and communication.
Communicate clearly.
Keep appropriate records.
Follow through.
Maintain professional relationships.
Avoid participating in gossip.
And be thoughtful about what personal information you share.
Over time, consistency can be much more powerful than trying to counter every accusation.
You are allowed to take the situation seriously
Workplace conflict is often minimized.
You may hear:
“Just ignore them.”
“That's just how she is.”
“Don't take it personally.”
But if the situation is affecting your mental health, confidence, or ability to work, it deserves attention.
Therapy can give you a place to process what's happening without having to navigate the workplace politics at the same time.
You don't have to become part of the workplace drama in order to protect yourself from it.
Learn More About Workplace Narcissistic Abuse →
The workplace can become a social battlefield
One of the most destabilizing aspects of narcissistic behavior at work is that the conflict may not remain between two people.
Other coworkers can become involved.
People may be recruited to take sides.
Information may be passed around selectively.
You may suddenly find yourself wondering why people who used to treat you normally are behaving differently.
This can leave you feeling isolated and confused.
Protect your reputation through consistency
You don't necessarily need to fight every rumor.
You can build credibility through consistent behavior.