Do You Know Someone Who Sucks the Oxygen Out of the Room?

Is there a coworker or family member who constantly does the following:

• Brags about his or her superiority?
• Exaggerates his or her achievements?
• Fails to notice others in the room?

If so, this article is just for you! 🙂 It consists of information about a challenging difficult personality disorder – The Narcissist.

Difficult Personality Disorder:  Description 

Narcissists: 

• Have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration
• Expect others to go along with their ideas and plans
• Violate the boundaries of others
• Feel rage with any kind of feedback

Difficult Personality Disorder:  The Most Important Characteristic of Narcissists

Behind their mask of ultra-self-confidence lays fragile self-esteem vulnerable to the slightest criticism.  For this reason alone, it’s tough to have a 2-way conversation.  Giving them feedback is like dealing with a spoiled 2-year old.

Difficult Personality Disorder:  Coping Guidelines 

Recognize when you are with someone who repeatedly evokes shame and anger.  Try not to personalize since they do this to others.  Think of the Narcissist as a 2-year old on the inside.  This may stop you from having unrealistic expectations about your relationship with them.

Plan ahead how to set boundaries since they excel at the control game.  I  walk away from a one-sided conversation by saying, “There’s Bob, I need to discuss something with him before he leaves the meeting.”  Those of you who know me realize that I usually don’t recommend skirting the issue.  It’s a different situation with narcissists.  Setting boundaries and doing your best not to get tangled in their me/me web are two strategies that are hard to do – yet they are necessary to keep your sanity.  🙂

Difficult Personality Disorder:  Let’s Get Real

Narcissists are frustrating.  I have known a few in my life.  This is why I started doing research about them.  My clients discuss how these selfish people do their best to make others feel inadequate and powerless.  You probably won’t change them.  Awareness will not change the reality but it changes your perspective.  Knowing more about narcissists gives you information that you can use to protect yourself and do your best not to be with them.  I will include how I protect myself from narcissists in a future article.

I want to hear from you

Add a comment to my blog on the challenges that you experience with a narcissist.  How have you coped with this difficult personality disorder?  You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂  You are always welcome to send me a private email with concerns that you are experiencing at work.

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This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Until next time, Remember…“You Get What You Tolerate!”