9 Warning Signs of a Narcissistic Boss

Can you spot the signs of a narcissistic boss? Unfortunately, many narcissists are drawn to jobs where they have power over others. They love to be in high-level management roles, as it gives them ample amounts of narcissistic supply and makes them feel all-important.

In this article, I will be focusing on the boss that is an ‘overt’ narcissist.

These types are totally full of themselves, they are loud and brash, and they often lack manners.

The narcissistic boss has a massive, over-inflated ego and wants to be admired and adored, by all in sundry!

They will stand in front of a mirror just a little too long, smiling at themselves and admiring their own ‘beauty.’

If there is a reflective surface nearby, you can be sure they’ll be checking themselves out!

The narcissistic boss really believes they are superior to everyone else, and that those working for them, are mere peasants! They come across as overly confident, and have an air of arrogance.

In a management role, an overt narcissist is able to talk down to others and bully their staff on a daily basis, often without any repercussions.

Note: A boss that is a covert narcissist, will never be as obvious as their overt counterpart. The covert narcissist relies more on manipulation tactics, and has a ‘passive aggressive’ style.

Read more about narcissitic workplace bullies and they they can affect your life – 12 Ways Workplace Bullying Can Affect You.

Disclaimer: Please note, I am not a mental health professional. Everything that I mention in this post, is based off my personal experience/s and years of my own research. It should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for therapy. 

The narcissistic boss needs to be admired and they need validation from others.

You will find them “fishing for compliments” from you, and from everyone else, constantly. They will seem oblivious to the cringes and audible sighs, from everyone else in the room.

They will always be doing something to shift the focus back on to them. They will crack stupid jokes all the time, and will try to be funny, by doing highly inappropriate things.

Think, David Brent, from the Office UK – if you haven’t seen it, you should check it out! I highly recommend!

The narcissist loves to brag about themselves, to anyone that will listen!

They will tell you all about the amazing things they have done in their lives, and all their outstanding achievements.

They are almost always over-exaggerating their accomplishments, though. They tell lies to make them seem more successful than they really are.

You will never hear them saying they have failed at anything.

They probably drive a ridiculously expensive car too, and they’ll make sure to park it in places where they can be seen getting in and out of it!

No matter how good your work ethic is, how hard you work and how many extra hours you put in, you will never be good enough in their eyes. They will always find something to pick on.

They will go over your work with a “fine tooth comb” looking for anything they can grill you on.

A narcissistic boss will find fault where there isn’t any. They don’t want you to think you are good at your job, because they need you to be insecure and doubtful of your skills.

The less sure of yourself you are, the better!

The sad fact is, they enjoy making you stressed and watching you jump through hoops, trying to be accepted by them.

A narcissistic boss tends to have a very short fuse, and they will lash out at you, without warning.

They can control their emotions, they just choose not to with certain people. They will behave differently with other managers – controlling their anger. But with their subordinates, they just let rip!

They want people to be afraid of them, because they enjoy dominating others.

You will be walking on eggshells all the time around them, never quite sure what will trigger their wrath.

A narcissistic boss loves to keep you guessing. They will be complimenting you one minute, and then the next you’re the worst employee, ever!

They may boast to others about how great you are, but behind closed doors, they abuse and belittle you.

This leaves you confused and you will probably spend all your time, trying to analyse and predict their behaviour.

Sometimes after being completely awful to you, they will be oddly nice to you. You may begin to think that, maybe, they are just “misunderstood” and that you shouldn’t be quick to judge.

Your empathy means you will try and find the good in them, and you may tolerate their abusive behaviour by making excuses for them.

You will notice that they love to gossip about other people, and may even slander others.

They do this for several reasons; they get attention from it, putting others down makes them feel better about themselves, and they like to ruin peoples reputations.

The narcissistic boss is disrespectful and condescending towards people they believe are beneath them.

They do not take others seriously, and will treat their subordinates like they are stupid. They will openly mock others and roll their eyes.

If you are knowledgable about a certain subject, they will debate you on it. They may sarcastically reply to you, saying “Yeah, sure, if you say so!”

Narcissists lack empathy for others and they will never feel bad about hurting other people.

They cannot understand other peoples emotions, but more than that, they don’t want to. They simply do not care about you or anyone else.

All they care about, is themselves and achieving their goals, by any means necessary.

They will make you question your memory and your sanity by denying that certain events have ever taken place.

For example, you may have reminded them a week ago about paying the phone bill, but lo and behold the phones are now cut off and they are raging at you saying it’s all “your fault!”

If you politely tell them that you did actually remind them a week ago about it, they will simply deny it! They will be angry at you for even suggesting they forgot to do something.

You will be forced to keep track of absolutely everything and noting things down as proof, for any future gaslighting attempts.

The narcissistic boss thrives on controlling others, and they enjoy seeing how they affect those around them.

In a management role, the narcissist gets all their needs filled. They have multiple streams of narcissistic supply (their subordinates) and they get to exert power and authority over others.

The reality is, they have incredibly fragile egos and a warped sense of self. They need to feel special and important, to validate their existence.

Working for a narcissistic boss is a very traumatising experience and it can have a lasting impact on your mental wellbeing.

It’s so important to share what you are going through, with people you can trust. You will need a strong support system in place.

If you find yourself in this unfortunate predicament, consider finding a new job as soon as you can. If you decide to lay a complaint against your boss, please make sure you seek legal advice first.

Do you have other narcissists in your life? Check out my other posts:

8 Signs You Are Dating a Narcissist and 15 Signs Your Friend is a Narcissist.

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