Nice post. I have found that working for a narcissist can be a challenge, but they are pretty predictable; you have to understand where they are coming from. I am not talking about empathy, but realizing that they are there to serve themselves. Self-preservation is the key. They will lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want, and take you down with them. It is like trying to handle a rattlesnake. Stop that, don't try. They prey on the weak. You can't help them or change them; you can only survive them. Know where the rattlesnake is at all times and keep out of biting distance, and keep some antivenom handy. What I wonder is what that says about an organization where these leaders thrive?
First of all, your insights and rattlesnake metaphor are spot on.
It’s your last question that is the most interesting though.
In the last company I worked there was a narcissist leading $150 million business unit of $1 billion company. I wondered why he was there and they kept him. I came to find out that his boss was an even bigger narcissist.
Nice post. I have found that working for a narcissist can be a challenge, but they are pretty predictable; you have to understand where they are coming from. I am not talking about empathy, but realizing that they are there to serve themselves. Self-preservation is the key. They will lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want, and take you down with them. It is like trying to handle a rattlesnake. Stop that, don't try. They prey on the weak. You can't help them or change them; you can only survive them. Know where the rattlesnake is at all times and keep out of biting distance, and keep some antivenom handy. What I wonder is what that says about an organization where these leaders thrive?
First of all, your insights and rattlesnake metaphor are spot on.
It’s your last question that is the most interesting though.
In the last company I worked there was a narcissist leading $150 million business unit of $1 billion company. I wondered why he was there and they kept him. I came to find out that his boss was an even bigger narcissist.
So true, and I’ve met many narcissists. It’s the shifting versions of the truth that boggle my brain. How can people behave like that?
I know! I don’t understand how people can live in that reality. But they can. And they do. And it sometimes makes me feel like I’m the crazy one.
And then they say they didn’t lie, it’s you!