As I’ve previously written, many narcissists crave the top positions at work. Their self entitlement and delusions of superiority attract them to higher status jobs like moths to a flame.

But narcissists think differently to the rest of us. And they behave differently around promotions at work. That includes during the application, and after the event – whether they’re successful or not.

Here’s some of the things you can expect when a narcissist applies for a promotion at work, plus why they behave the way they do…

Please Check Out This Short Video To Aid Your Understanding…

It’s A BIG Deal

Narcissists think the whole world revolves around them. Naturally their promotion prospects are important to them. But they also believe their application is important to everyone else. They seem unaware that the rest of the world doesn’t think about them all the time.

You can expect narcissists to make a big deal of their application, and discuss it at every opportunity. And “confide” with colleagues as if they’re the only one. When they’ve actually bent the ear of half the work force.

Narcissists often can’t help their grandiosity getting the better of them. And may act like they’re running for President, when in reality they’re applying for deputy assistant stationary officer.

Recruit Support

Narcissists often attempt to rally support from their colleagues. Explaining why they’re perfect for the role. And may wildly exaggerate their knowledge and experience.

The narcissist reasons that a wave of support behind them makes them unstoppable. They don’t consider that most people are being polite and supportive. They don’t really believe they’re such a talented genius.

The more vulnerable narcissists may recruit support to boost their confidence. Putting colleagues on the spot, asking if they think they’d be good in the role. They of course expect a big yes, even though they ask for honesty. “Be honest, but tell me what I want to hear,”

Narcissists kid themselves that they’re perfect for the role. And that everyone agrees. Meaning only some travesty can deny them what’s rightfully theirs.

Smear Rivals

As well as bigging themselves up, narcissists like to pull the rug from under their rivals. And smear them by discussing their flaws to anyone who listens.

The less sophisticated narcissists may outright criticise their characters and work practices. And are obvious what they’re trying to achieve. The more sophisticated may present subtler ways to criticise their rivals. Such as casually slipping into conversation their flaws and mistakes.

Narcissists naturally believe their smear campaigns are working. And sometimes they do. But often people agree for an easier life.

Assume The Promotion Is Theirs

Narcissists’ sense of entitlement and delusions of superiority cause them to assume the promotion is in the bag. Even if the other candidates are more qualified.

Narcissists believe they have a divine right to anything they want. Simply because they were born special.

But these delusions rest on shaky foundations. And deep down the narcissist knows they’re nothing special. But this truth is too painful to face.

This is why if they fail in their application, they may have a meltdown. Because it challenges the delusions that are so precious to their fragile self esteem.

Cause A Scene

Choosing someone over the narcissist gives them a narcissistic injury, and shakes them to the core. Which drives some narcissists to cause a huge scene when overlooked for promotion.

In the narcissists mind, choosing someone over them challenges their delusions of superiority and entitlement. And this often provokes an angry backlash.

Narcissists have a tendency to externalise their problems. And any fate that befalls them is interpreted as someone else’s fault. Because it can’t be theirs – they’re perfect!

This causes narcissists to blame others for their own failures. They may blame the interviewer and the decision makers. But more often than not they blame the successful candidate who stole THEIR job.

This may be due to their hierarchical ways, where they feel more comfortable attacking someone of a lower rank. It may also be to preserve favour with the decision maker. Just in case they need them in the future.

Attack The Successful Candidate

Once the successful candidate is in their new role, the narcissist doesn’t accept defeat graciously. They continue their attack.

The narcissist may pick fault with everything they do, implying they could do much better. Or even outright bully them with various acts of hostility.

The narcissist is livid, and they direct their wrath at their “enemy”. Blinded by the injury their self esteem has endured. They don’t consider that their shameful behaviours may ruin their future promotional prospects. Or the pain they cause others.

Pity Plays

The narcissist may keep up the hostility for months. But eventually they calm down.

The narcissist may provide a list of excuses for their behaviours. They may claim they were suffering from mental health issues. Have problems at home. Or were provoked by the successful applicant.

These pity plays are signs that the narcissist is back tracking. But they probably won’t apologise and admit fault. They prefer to provide excuses.

It takes a while, but eventually the dust settles and things return to normality. But inevitably another promotion vacancy soon comes up.

Next Application

Naturally the narcissist applies for the next promotional opportunity. In their mind they were robbed last time, so they’re owed it now. And the decision makers have seen their past conduct. So they must make a choice.

Do they give the narcissist the job to avoid another dramatic meltdown? Or do they knock them back, knowing the damage they’ll cause, working in a higher position?

Depending on the organisation, it could go either way. But whatever happens, expect fireworks!

Final Thoughts

Narcissists don’t apply for the top jobs to make a positive difference. They apply for selfish motives. And one is their lust for power.

The temptation to abuse their power is often too much for narcissists. And they may bring their toxic behaviours into the workplace. And throw their weight around, bullying certain members of staff.

Narcissists often start their work positions like they start their relationships. They act nice at the beginning to get people onside. But once they’ve achieved this, they gradually role out their narcissistic ways.

Sadly, narcissists in high positions often get away with treating those beneath them poorly. Largely because they act like butter won’t melt to their superiors. And they blame those lower in the pecking order for their mistakes or their allegations of mistreatment.

If a narcissist has been promoted to your leader, then it’s unlikely to go well in the long term. You can expect to find yourself in a toxic environment. And if you’re unlucky, you could end up their designated scapegoat.

The only way to guarantee your sanity is to jump ship. Because it’s not worth the stress and the damage, working under a narcissist boss. You deserve better.

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