• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

15 Signs of a Narcissistic Boss & 10 Ways to Deal With Them

Published: March 3, 2022 Updated: November 25, 2022
Published: 03/03/2022 Updated: 11/25/2022
Headshot of Laurie Hollman, PhD
Written by:

Laurie Hollman

PhD
Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS
  • What Is Narcissism?Narcissism
  • Red Flags That You’re Interviewing With a NarcissistIn an Interview
  • Signs Your Boss Is a Narcissist15 Signs
  • How Having a Narcissistic Boss Affects Your Mental HealthMental Health Effects
  • Ways to Deal With a Narcissistic Boss10 Tips
  • Examples of Narcissistic BossesExamples
  • Getting Help for Dealing With the Impact of a Narcissistic BossGet Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Narcissistic Bosses InfographicInfographics
Headshot of Laurie Hollman, PhD
Written by:

Laurie Hollman

PhD
Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS

A narcissistic boss might require excessive praise, often seem volatile, or purposefully ignore your work accomplishments. The key to dealing with a narcissistic boss is to sustain your own perspective about your work and your self-worth despite your boss’s reactions. Keeping a positive view of yourself despite your boss’s constant need for supply takes a lot of work and perseverance.

Working with a narcissistic boss can wreak havoc on you emotionally and mentally. You don’t have to face it alone. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is Narcissism?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by a lack of empathy, a sense of grandiosity, and a constant need for praise.1 A grandiose narcissist may be easy to spot, but covert narcissists might be more difficult to recognize. Regardless of the type, working under a narcissist boss can cause chronic stress.

Satoris (Tori) Howes, Professor of Management at Oregon State UniversityAccording to Satoris Howes, PhD, Professor of Management at Oregon State University, “A narcissist has a strong need to be the center of attention, be praised for their work, and be seen as highly competent. They believe they deserve credit and believe they know better than others. This need for affirmations and belief that they are the best will result in them taking credit for their subordinates’ work when talking to their bosses. They’ll also likely blame those subordinates and external influences when something goes wrong. They will likely feel comfortable challenging their bosses as they likely think they are better than them. Don’t expect a narcissist to be sycophantic to anybody.”6

Red Flags That You’re Interviewing With a Narcissist

There are a number of awkward interactions that can happen in job interviews which are sometimes a sign that personality fit may be an issue. Some of those can be understood and forgiven, however it’s important to consider how your interviewer is talking with you and the language they use. A lot can be understood about a person from how they attend to you in an interview.

Here are seven signs that you may be interviewing with a narcissist:

  1. They don’t share anything negative about the company or role
  2. They are avoidant to your questions about their management approach
  3. They are distracted and not giving you undivided attention
  4. They are making inappropriate comments about other employees
  5. You have heard poor feedback or no feedback from others who worked with this interviewer
  6. They make demeaning comments about others at the company
  7. They make promises that seem too good to be true

15 Signs Your Boss Is a Narcissist

Those with narcissistic personality disorder can learn ways to manipulate others and feed their narcissistic supply. They may rise through the ranks quickly by charming their superiors, but abuse those working under them.

Here are 15 signs that your boss is a narcissist:2

1. They Talk About Themselves Almost Exclusively

Those with narcissistic personality disorder tend to think of themselves most of the time. They are very conscious of their physical appearance, wealth, talents, and achievements—and they expect your attention while they tell you about these attributes. These comments may tend to be exaggerated and are not necessarily accurate reflections of their lives.

2. They Have Fantasies of Greatness

Narcissists tend to be filled with elaborate fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty, or the perfect partner. Because of these imaginings, they feel they should have the best of everything—houses, cars and clothing or other status-affirming things like where they attend school. These wishes are a way for narcissists to fend off inner feelings of emptiness and shame and instead feel special and in control. They experience immense frustration and anger when their visions are not achieved.

3. They Require Constant Praise

Despite how outwardly confident narcissists may portray themselves, they are often quite vulnerable and insecure, with fragile self-esteem. To continually prop themselves up, they require near-constant attention, praise, and admiration. They also may expect to be recognized as superior even without achieving anything warranting praise.

Due to their fragile egos, narcissists are highly reactive to criticism. Any comments that shine a spotlight on their insecurities or flaws may be met with a burst of narcissistic rage.

4. They Show a Sense of Entitlement

Narcissists think that others ought to offer them special favors and immediately fulfill their requests without question. If such treatment isn’t given to them, they may become impatient or angry, or give others the passive-aggressive silent treatment. They view others as existing primarily to serve their needs, abusing them and disregarding their wants and desires.

Howes mentions, “This need for affirmation and belief that they are the best will result in them taking credit for their subordinates’ work when talking to their bosses. They’ll also likely blame those subordinates and external influences when something goes wrong. They will likely feel comfortable challenging their bosses as they think they are better than them.”

5. They Take Advantage of Others

Many people are naturally drawn to narcissists, as they can present themselves as attractive, charismatic, and charming. Thus, narcissists may not have any issues getting people to do what they want, even causing work burnout for those under them. They are easily bored and seek constant entertainment wherever they can get it.

6. They Are Envious of Others

Because of their low self-esteem and need to be superior to others, narcissists see people who have things they lack—such as tangible items, status, or admiration—as threats. They don’t understand why they don’t have everything they want when they want it, and seek vengeance toward those who seem to stand in their way of getting the satisfaction that they feel entitled to.

7. They Lack Empathy

Narcissists are unable to empathize with others or understand that others may have struggles of their own. Even if they do recognize other people’s struggles, they don’t understand why these people don’t change according to their own needs.

8. They Have Boundless Ambitions

Having goals or ambitions in life is a good thing, but narcissists make their dreams the center of their world and expect others to want for them what they want for themselves. Because they feel superior to others and want to believe others find them naturally special, they often set endless ambitions for themselves. Narcissists fantasize about not only doing their best but being the best. When they fall short, they are enraged or deeply disappointed to the point of depressive thinking.

9. They Are Incredibly Insecure

This may be counterintuitive when you first meet a narcissist because they come across as charming, entitled, and believing they are superior to others, but people who suffer from narcissism are usually incredibly insecure which is why they feel the need to put others down. They often speak of people who are liars or disloyal but they are unwilling to recognize these traits in themselves.

10. They Are Remarkably Charming

On first impression, narcissists come off as charming and confident, but as the relationship develops if they are no longer perceived that way, they become denigrating of others and sometimes aggressive. People are generally drawn to narcissists at first because of their confidence and charm, though many find them suspect and vying for attention.

11. They Are Extremely Competitive

In a narcissist’s world view, there are only winners and losers. They will strive to be part of the former group without realizing how their manipulations may put people off and create a toxic work environment. They must make themselves out to be superior to everybody else. Their incessant need to win contributes to their inability to embrace another person’s success. It’s all win or all lose, leading to depression if they think they’re losing.

12. They Hold Long-Lasting Grudges

Narcissists harbor vengeance toward those who insult or disapprove of them or don’t give them what they want. They take any perceived slight as a personal attack, and hold long grudges.

13. They Find Criticism Intolerable

Narcissists are unable to cope when things don’t go their way and will be hard-pressed to ever admit fault when they are wrong. This makes it impossible for them to take any kind of criticism, even if it’s constructive.

14. They Are Constantly on the Go

Narcissists push others to attend concerts, plays, expensive dinners, and prestigious parties because they can’t be idle. To be idle is to feel the inner tension of maybe not being as superior as they believe. Others are put off by this constant pressure to “do,” and the narcissist can’t relax alone or enjoy their own company except as a respite from their inner strivings. They may travel extensively and feel they deserve the best accommodations in planes and hotels.

15. They Get Their Supply From Having “Great” Communal Skills

Many bosses may be communal narcissists. They tend to have qualities which include using workplace events to create drama or start trouble. They come off as a martyr but find ways to get narcissist supply from others. They describe their work journey as a mission or a higher calling, positioning themselves away from achievement through merit.

How Having a Narcissistic Boss Affects Your Mental Health

If your narcissist boss’s expectations and supply are not met, you will begin to notice bad moods, excessive irritation, agitation, and maybe infatuation with whoever is considered beneath them. Narcissistic bosses tend to have all-or-nothing thinking, so they may think that if you disagree or challenge them, that you are out to get them. Because they are very insecure, they see any behavior like that as a threat. They can start to create cliques and isolate and bully certain employees, even gaslighting them into believing things that are not true. To add, they may even increase the workload for those employees and force them to quit or want to leave.

Those on staff may begin to doubt their work, their achievements, and their ability to move up or even sustain the position they have. These doubts and uncertainties may escalate, beginning to undermine and interfere with your concentration, your productivity, and eventually your self-esteem. Having a narcissist as a boss is always a negative thing because of the psychological warfare they use to ensure their position at work and garner the admiration of those around them.

The whole team suffers because their work can be stifled and their creativity crushed. With long enough exposure, it can lead you to become very disgruntled and leave you feeling burned out, and may end up giving you a bad reputation in the industry, so it’s important to check yourself and take action to preserve your own mental health.

10 Ways to Deal With a Narcissistic Boss

When dealing with a narcissistic, it takes a clear understanding that pathological narcissism is working on your psyche. Focus on your own perspective of your achievements and be your own guide to evaluating your work and your worth.

Here are ten tips for how to deal with a narcissistic boss:

1. Remind Yourself of Your Value

It will be difficult but not impossible, perhaps with the support of your co-workers, to recall why you got hired in the first place. That is, remember your skill set, your qualifications, and the references that led you to seek out and land this valued position. The estimation of your actual value is in your hands and no one else’s.

2. Compliment Them Frequently

Howes encourages, “It’s not impossible to get along with a narcissistic boss. The adage that ‘flattery will get you nowhere’ is not the case when talking to a narcissist. They like being complimented and may expect or demand such attention and accolades. To the extent you’re willing to provide such flattery you’re likely to stay on the narcissist’s good side.”

3. Keep a Paper Trail

Your boss will have more power than you in his reviews of your work that go on file. You may have to begin to create a paper trail where you respectfully respond to any criticisms detailing your achievements. This will help you retain your own feeling of empowerment and forestall being held back from future goals.

4. Network for Yourself

Make your own contacts with other leaders in the company. However, don’t broadcast these actions to your narcissistic boss who may feel quickly slighted and further enraged. This is a delicate but important mission for your own rising aspirations.

5. Get Outside Support

You may find you take home the steady stream of manipulation with your boss’s voice echoing in your mind. This is the time to maintain self-awareness, self-observation, and introspection. Share with loved ones or others you trust what you are experiencing so you hear out loud others valid points of view about your work, your character, and your reasonable goals for the future. Their words will serve to counter what you’re hearing unreasonably at work.

6. Take Time for Reflection

You deal with a narcissistic boss outside their presence. Even more importantly, you deal with your boss when you take their words to heart and slip into self-doubt, making those words your words. If you notice you are doing this, take all the time you need for self-reflection until your own perspective overrides that negative voice in your mind.

7. Remember Who You’re Dealing With

Remember you are dealing with a vulnerable, easily wounded boss who unconsciously is carrying a load of long-held feelings of inferiority that they combat regularly. Your interpersonal tactics are unlikely to change their views. Remind yourself that your boss is inherently even more vulnerable than you are.

8. Diversify Your Work Experience or Role

If you have opportunities to work with other leaders, you can have a variety of supervisors who can be references for future jobs. Getting exposure from others also gives you leverage in building social capital at work—and when you are dealing with a narcissistic boss, you need that.

9. Develop a Strategy

It’s important to be mindful that the narcissist boss will also have those who are suppliers and those who are injurers. When a boss has a narcissistic injury, they are often looking for validation and praise, so positioning yourself to be an ally can be beneficial for you if you are trying to work with them.

10. Consult a Labor Law Expert

Employees have a right to work in comfortable work environments, and when these rights are violated, employees can take action. Speaking to a third party expert outside your company can give you some leverage and tips on how to move forward.

Are you dating or married to a narcissist?

Whether you’re trying to move on or rebuild a relationship, a licensed therapist can guide you. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Visit BetterHelp

Is your mother, father, or family member a narcissist?

Being raised by a narcissist can damage your confidence and self-esteem. A therapist from Online-Therapy can help you both heal from the past, and manage the relationship to be less harmful.  Counseling starts at $50 per week. Try Online-Therapy

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp and Online-Therapy.

Examples of Narcissistic Bosses

Narcissistic tendencies can present differently depending on the person and the situation.

Here are examples of how a narcissistic boss may act in different workplace scenarios:

Corporate Director & Manager Dynamic

Stanley is a regional director in a healthcare company that oversees all of the hiring and quality of care for medical practices in that area. Susan is one of three managers that supports specific medical practices where she does on-site visits and reports back to Stanley from time to time. Stanley and Susan both have positive reputations in the company though Susan has been with the company for a much longer time and has more personal connections. Stanley appears to be threatened by this as he is Susan’s boss and tries to limit her interactions with other departments.

Stanley expects Susan to loop him into everything, leading to Susan feeling very micromanaged despite no performance issues and with many others giving positive feedback to other leaders in the department about her work. Stanley attempts to gaslight Susan many times into thinking she missed a deadline and sets her up to believe she is doing poorly if she challenges a recommendation.

Susan knows she does a good job despite any positive feedback from Stanely and when Susan gets that recognition in team meetings, Stanley attempts to take over and claim credit.

Receptionist in a Doctor’s Office

Stewart is an empathic, friendly receptionist working in an internist’s office. Dr. D has multiple awards sprinkled all over her waiting room and inner offices. She is a very high achiever and wants everyone to remember that. She is highly intelligent but exaggerates her worth in the medical community and expects the same of her staff.

Dr. D is highly critical of Stewart. She feels he is too friendly and patient with nervous patients who then expect the same of Dr. D. She plays at being empathetic as she’s learned a kind of script that works well with her patients. She makes them feel that they are receiving excellent care and therefore shouldn’t ask too many questions. She expects her patients to give her acclaim, which she feels entitled to and in fact has the credentials to warrant this.

Stewart is aware that credentials don’t make Dr. D an empathetic caregiver. He is trying to fill in for her lack of empathy that he knows may impact the patients he greets in the waiting room, and that he faces from her himself. He also tries to give support when managing their frightened voices when they call for results of their examinations. Stewart is exceeding expectations because he’s a good person. When Dr. D observes how the patients adore Stewart, she is annoyed and wants all the accolades for herself.

Getting Help for Dealing With the Impact of a Narcissistic Boss

Dealing with a narcissistic boss can be difficult, and may take a big toll on your mental health. It is important to know when you may need to involve professional help.

You may need to look into professional help for dealing with a narcissistic boss if you’re experiencing:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Malaise and low moods
  • Self-doubts and emerging low self-esteem
  • Episodes of anxiety and/or work anxiety
  • Frequent need for self-assurance from loved ones

How to Find a Therapist

Recommendations from family and friends for therapists as well as talking with your family doctor can be quite helpful in finding a therapist that’s right for you. Another simple place to start is with an online therapist directory, where you can filter by location, insurance, and specialty. The cost, the use of insurance, the length of time that may be involved is highly individual to each prospective client.

Final Thoughts

Knowledge empowers you to sustain healthy self-esteem. If you understand who you are working with, you needn’t lower your own self-esteem and take your boss’s comments and treatment as if they are deserved. It’s highly unlikely a narcissist will change, and your boss may not either, which means your well-being rests with yourself. Getting the support you need is not a weakness, and can help you develop the tools you need to stay strong (and to quit if that’s what’s best for your mental health).

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online-Therapy – Online-Therapy.com provides a weekly live video session, unlimited text messaging, and self-guided activities like journaling. Starting at $64 per week, this is one of the most affordable options for CBT therapy. Try Online-Therapy

Support Groups

Sesh – Sesh offers 100+ live, interactive webinars per month facilitated by mental health professionals. Topics included, “Managing Emotional Guilt and Shame”, “Building Healthy Relationships”, and “Pressing The Breaks On Gaslighting”. Free One Month Trial

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Online-Therapy.com, and Sesh.

For Further Reading

  • 16 Best Books on Narcissism
  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

Narcissistic Bosses Infographic

Signs Your Boss Is a Narcissist How Having a Narcissistic Boss Affects Your Mental Health How to Deal With a Narcissistic Boss

6 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • American Psychological Association. (2013). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Diagnostic Criteria of the Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

  • Hollman, L. 2015. Are You Living with a Narcissist: How Narcissistic Men Impact Your Happiness, How to Identify Them, and How to Avoid Raising One, pp. 4-12. Sanger, CA.: Familius

  • Kernberg, O. 1984. Severe Personality Disorders: Psychotherapeutic Strategies. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.

  • Kitron, D. 2011. “Empathy: The Indispensable Ingredient in the Impossible Profession.” Psychoanl. Inquiry 31 (1):17.

  • Kohut, H. 1966. “Forms and Transformations of Narcissism,” J of the Amer. Psychological Assn. 14:243-272.

  • Howes, Satoris. (2021). Personal Interview.

update history

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

  • Originally Published: February 2, 2021
    Original Author: Laurie Hollman, PhD
    Original Reviewer: Naveed Saleh, MD, MS

  • Updated: March 3, 2022
    Author: No Change
    Reviewer: No Change
    Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Added more signs and tips, as well as “Red Flags That You’re Interviewing With a Narcissist”. Reviewed and added relevant resources. New material written by Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C and reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD.

Recent Articles

Vindictive Narcissists: 10 Signs & How to Handle One
Vindictive Narcissists: 10 Signs & How to Handle One
A ‘vindictive narcissist’ is an unofficial term used to describe narcissists who hold grudges, harbor resentment, and seek revenge...
';
Work Burnout: Signs, Treatments, & How to Cope
Work Burnout: Signs, Treatments, & How to Cope
As designated by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of “burnout syndrome,” burnout at work has three main characteristics:...
';
Work Depression Signs, Causes, & How to Cope
Work Depression: Signs, Causes, & How to Cope
Depression is a significant cause of reduced productivity and functional impairment in affected workers. Discriminating between work as a...
';
Signs of Depression After a Job Loss, and Ways to Cope
Signs of Depression After a Job Loss & 11 Ways to Cope
Having depression after a job loss is a fairly common reaction for anyone to have. Here are some great...
';
Am I Narcissistic? Signs & What to Do
Am I Narcissistic? 8 Signs & What to Do
If you’re concerned that you have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or narcissistic traits, awareness is an important first step....
';
Healthy Narcissism: What It Is, Traits, & Causes
Healthy Narcissism: What It Is, Traits, & Causes
Many people assume that having narcissistic tendencies is a negative thing. However, there is such a thing as healthy...
';
Headshot of Laurie Hollman, PhD
Written by:

Laurie Hollman

PhD
Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS
  • What Is Narcissism?Narcissism
  • Red Flags That You’re Interviewing With a NarcissistIn an Interview
  • Signs Your Boss Is a Narcissist15 Signs
  • How Having a Narcissistic Boss Affects Your Mental HealthMental Health Effects
  • Ways to Deal With a Narcissistic Boss10 Tips
  • Examples of Narcissistic BossesExamples
  • Getting Help for Dealing With the Impact of a Narcissistic BossGet Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Narcissistic Bosses InfographicInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept