Have a Narcissistic Boss? It Could Be Hurting Your Health and Personality

Don’t like who you’ve become at work? Your boss could be to blame.

People who work for managers who demonstrate psychopathic and narcissistic qualities are more likely to engage in bad behavior on the job, according to a study conducted by the University of Manchester’s business school in the UK and published Jan. 6, 2016. If you’ve ever worked for someone who was a bully, you also know you’re more likely to feel depressed. The study also confirmed this.

Researchers reviewed responses from 1,200 participants who worked in various industries across different countries. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires related to their psychological wellbeing, the prevalence of workplace bullying at their job and their manager’s personality.

The findings showed that workers who had bosses with toxic personality traits tended to have lower job satisfaction and had higher levels of depression. They were also more likely to demonstrate undesirable behavior in the workplace.

Lead researcher Abigail Phillips said leaders with high levels of narcissism and psychopathy “have a strong desire for power and often lack empathy.”

“This toxic combination can result in these individuals taking advantage of others, taking credit for their work, being overly critical, and generally behaving aggressively,” Phillips said. “In other words, leaders high in psychopathy and narcissism are more likely to be bullies.”

This can lead to employees behaving badly.

“Workplace bullying is obviously unpleasant for the target but also creates a toxic working environment for all involved,” Phillips noted. “In short, bad bosses, those high in psychopathy and narcissism, have unhappy and dissatisfied employees who seek to ‘get their own back’ on the company.”

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, some of the criteria for the disorder include:

Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
A need for constant admiration
Having a sense of entitlement
Expecting special favors
Taking advantage of others to get what you want
Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
Being envious of others and believing others envy you
Behaving in an arrogant manner

People who suffer from this disorder often cannot handle criticism and can respond angrily to a perceived slight. Narcissistic personality disorder is typically rooted in insecurity, shame and vulnerability, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Is My Boss Toxic?

If you’re dealing with a narcissistic boss, it isn’t always clear at first. In the beginning stages, they may be charming, encouraging and complimentary toward you. As time goes on, however, they can become abusive, insensitive and impossible to please.

Even good leaders can demonstrate narcissistic traits from time to time, but if you think you’re working for someone who may suffer from narcissistic personality disorder, consider these 10 signs.

The sooner you can identify whether your boss is toxic, the better off you’ll be. Not only can it help you ensure you don’t take on negative traits found in the aforementioned study, it can also help you determine your next step. While some people quit their jobs, others find tactics that help them work in a challenging environment.