Do you have a narcissistic boss?

Yesterday I wrote the big narcissism checklist to see if your boss is a narcissist. There's a good chance you had bingo (at least, that all boxes were checked), because the concentration of narcissism is high among leaders. If you have to deal with one, it's important to handle it wisely. Or to look for another job, because better a good boss than a good job is my motto.

1. Treat him/her like royalty
Your narcissistic boss has an insatiable thirst for compliments. Give him those, but in such a way that you benefit from it. Through a compliment, you might still point out what is missing in the process without him/her feeling attacked. Because criticism, a narcissist can't handle that well and before you know it, you're in Enemy Camp.

2. Take notes and document things in email
Because a narcissist has a tendency to twist and color the truth a bit, it's wise to document important matters. So take notes and document things via email. If there ever is, I hope not, a lawsuit, then you have gathered evidence and it's not his/her word against yours.

3. Bring someone along
If you have a conversation, make sure someone else is present. This way you also have an extra witness. What you can also do is record your conversation, although I can imagine you might feel less comfortable with that.

4. Try to keep your distance
Although you'll occasionally throw the narcissist some bite-sized compliments, you keep him/her off your doorstep. Don't share too much about your private life because that makes you vulnerable. The narcissist is not interested in you and will only use this personal information to make you do what he/she wants. So be careful.