Dealing with a Narcissistic Employee: Managerial Tips

Managing a narcissistic employee is one of the biggest challenges any manager will ever face. Narcissistic employees tend to feel entitled to special treatment, desire constant positive reinforcement, and have little regard for what others may be expecting. As a result, this kind of behavior damages team cohesion and collective performance.  But with a few steps in place, leaders may manage these complicated circumstances. However, through various strategies, leaders may manage these complicated situations

Establish Firm Boundaries with your Narcissistic Employee

Self-centered employees tend to constantly challenge the limits. As a leader, you can set constraints on behavior at work, and you should. Make it clear what the limits are. For example, tell them exactly how you expect them to act with respect, teamwork, and punctuality. When you adhere to the limits you set, all employees have a fair chance at a balanced and healthy work environment.

Focus on Performance Indicators when Working with your Narcissistic Employee

Do you want to put an end to sneaky or selfish actions? Always evaluate employee performance based on clear, measurable outcomes. When the goals are clearly outlined and measurable, there is little ambiguity with excuses or differing opinions. This can be fair to everyone and everyone can be responsible.

Encourage Teams to Work Together

Self-oriented people struggle with teamwork. They want the limelight more than they want to share. Emphasize a culture of working toward a common goal. Establish a culture that celebrates teamwork. Celebrate whatever can be positively achieved as a team to shift focus away from one person and towards the team as a whole.

Provide Feedback to a Narcissistic Employee

First of all, if you are giving feedback to an employee with narcissistic tendencies, be aware that they typically display some defensiveness; but, they are usually willing to accept feedback more readily, when the feedback seems to match their self–perception. In your positive feedback, try to relate it to their pursuit for success. For instance, you might say, “If you improve this skill, you will develop your leadership potential greatly.”

Avoid Power Struggles with the Narcissistic Employee

Next, recognize that narcissistic employees may try to dominate conversations, or challenge your authority. Therefore, it is critical that leaders thoughtfully manage these situations, to avoid entering into power struggles. Instead, use active listening techniques to demonstrate you understand their concerns, while continuing to tactfully lean towards discussing real solutions.

Instill Emotional Intelligence Across Your Team

Lastly, you might want to offer team training on emotional intelligence, or set up group workshops on related material. Regardless of the exact material, emotional intelligence training has been shown to help individuals develop self awareness, empathy, and the interpersonal skills. In the case of individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies, they will not typically be open to change in the beginning. However, being engaged in a course on emotional intelligence (and similar topics) can create incremental influence on their behavior.

Know When to Escalate Issues with the Narcissistic Employee

Finally, if a narcissistic employee’s behavior is having a serious impact on team morale or performance, call in HR immediately. Consider using professional mediation as the next step. You need to write down every time someone acts unacceptably. This helps make sure that solving the problem is fair and clear for everyone involved.

Dealing with a Narcissistic Employee: Challenges

Dealing with a narcissistic employee takes patience, decisiveness, and strategic communication. By focusing on clear structure, fostering teamwork, and communicating constructively, managers can go far to reduce disruptions. In doing so, it is possible to have a healthier and more productive workplace. Treating these issues preemptively not only benefits the individual but significantly contributes to the overall team’s unity and performance as well.

You might also be interested in our article on

Dealing with a Narcissistic Boss: A Guide to Professional Success