How to Supervise the Narcissistic Personality

Although the narcissistic personality may seem impossible to manage (much less appreciate), there are some basic steps you can take to make the workplace a bit more pleasant and relaxed.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand narcissistic personality traits. Mayoclinic.com provides a comprehensive description of what to expect from a narcissist. Symptoms include firm conviction that said person is superior to all others, noted exaggeration about minimal achievements, problems with jealousy, extreme stubbornness and lack of cooperation, disdain for others and emotional instability. If you observe these traits in a supervisee, you are most likely dealing with a narcissist.

• 2

  Acknowledge a job well done. According to Winning-teams.com's online article, "Narcissistic Personality and Behavior at Work", the narcissist may feel inadequate and inferior to others. Often the narcissistic personality results from abuse during childhood or lack of attention. Acknowledging good work will help you to gain the narcissist's trust and confidence.

• 3

  Criticize carefully. Narcissists are extremely sensitive to criticism. Use very careful and objective phrasing, and keep criticism very business-oriented.

• 4

  Stay positive. According to "The Productive Narcissist: The Promise and Peril of Visionary Leadership," narcissists are capable of success and even leadership. Focus on the narcissist's potential for success rather than failure. Although this may begin as a technique to avoid tension, it could become the basis of a fruitful business partnership.