Regaining Control
Understanding narcissistic manipulation tactics is the first step to regaining control.
Education is the key to breaking free, shifting the power dynamic, and protecting your mental and emotional well-being.
Common Traits of a Narcissist
The Common Traits of a Narcissist Boss/Manager is where they display a consistent pattern of behaviour of the following:
- Constant criticism and damage to your self-esteem.
Example: Your work and efforts are constantly being picked at in a negative way and you are losing confidence in your abilities.
- Regular Anger and Rage outbursts.
Example: Constantly shouting at people and being aggressive in meetings.
- Gaslighting – Making you doubt yourself and your reality.
Example: Your boss blatantly denies your version of events and twists conversations to suit them leaving you feeling confused and doubting yourself.
- Controlling behaviour. Example: Micromanaging you and interfering with your team dynamic.
- Lack of Empathy. Example: No interest, compassion or understanding of others’ feelings or needs.
- Arrogant behaviours and attitude. A belief of being superior to others.
- A sense of entitlement. Example: Believes that given their position they are entitled to do whatever they want without any accountability or repercussions.
Unacceptable Behaviour
This behaviour is unacceptable in any relationship yet it has become the acceptable norm in the workplace.
Here are some steps to taking control back.
1. Educate yourself on the topic so you have a clear understanding of what exactly it is.
2. Once you have gained that knowledge accept that you cannot change the Narcissist, but you
can change how you interact with them by putting strategies in place to protect yourself and to work on yourself to improve your self-esteem and look at the options you have to move forward.
3. If you are experiencing mental health issues, burnout or any other issues which are having a
negative impact on your wellbeing, contact your GP and discuss what you are going through. It is sensible to have a record of this with your GP.
4. Put distance between you and your boss as much as possible. Example: Limit meetings and keep as much interaction through email if possible.
5. Implement Self-Care strategies into your daily routine. Example: Walking, gym, Hydration, time away from your screen/news updates and social media.
6. Keep a diary or journal of events with time, date, witnesses and details of all relevant incidents for your own records.
7. Consider working with a Counsellor or Coach to help you overcome this hideous behaviour and to empower yourself to make changes.
8. Talk to trusted friends, family, partner or colleagues to relieve yourself from the stress you are under.
For a free confidential consultation (20 mins) to explore how you can gain your power, DM me or send an email to paula@paulaking.co.uk