Amy, 36, a marketing manager — who prefers not to give her surname for professional reasons — has a great job, an office with an amazing view of Central Park . . . and a boss who’s under the impression that he has a direct line to God.
People with narcissistic traits are more likely to become leaders in the office than those without.
“My boss will seriously act as if everything he does is delivered from on high,” she says. “It is borderline delusional.”
“That said,” she adds, “his confidence and charisma is amazing to watch. He can always get clients to agree to his direction.”
Science backs up that observation: A recent study published in the journal Personnel Psychology found that people with narcissistic traits are more likely to become leaders in the office than those without.
Here are five strategies to steal from the office narcissist that’ll get you ahead — without becoming the butt of an “I can’t believe my co-worker” anecdote.
Own your work
“The office narcissist will always take credit for their work,” says Bill Eddy, author of “It’s All Your Fault!: 12 Tips for Managing People Who Blame Others for Everything.” How to play off that tactic without being annoying: Present your contribution as a fact that builds on the conversation, Eddy says. In a meeting, say something like, “Jeff brought up a great point, which is backed up by the reports I ran a week ago.”
Be your own brand
Regardless of where the narcissist works, his or her No. 1 priority will always be Corporation Me. Experts suggest trying a similar mind-set, at least some of the time, to stand out in your field: Make sure you have an up-to-date LinkedIn presence, retweet compliments and toot your own horn, when appropriate. “The narcisssist is always thinking of the next opportunity,” Eddy says.
Schmooze with the higher-ups
“The narcissist will think nothing of making an appointment with the CEO or inviting themselves to join the boss at happy hour drinks,” explains Ramani Durvasula, author of “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?: Surviving a Relationship With a Narcissist.” Tempered with some self-awareness, Durvasula adds, “that ‘I belong here’ confidence can really help your career.” Play into this — without being overbearing — by talking to your boss in the lobby or elevator.
Keep emotions out of the office
The narcissist will stab a so-called “friend” in the back in a second to score a promotion. Sounds extreme, but Durvasula says seeing a narcissist in action is a good reminder. “Spend time with co-workers, get to know them, enjoy them,” she says. “But remember, at the end of the day, you’re being paid to spend time with each other — a circumstance that can change in a second.”
Keep meticulous records
“The narcissist always thinks someone is out to get them. Because of that, they make sure to keep track of everything,” Durvasula says. Steal a page from their playbook and make sure every email tracking responsibilities is easily accessible. That way, if a co-worker throws you under the bus, you can counter accusations with a paper trail showing how you did everything right.