It can be difficult to navigate personalities in the workplace, particularly when narcissism and exaggerated egos are present. Sometimes concealed by charm or ambition, these qualities can subtly undermine trust and team cohesion if left unchecked. The secret to effectively managing narcissism and a big ego is knowing the difference between the two.
A trusted colleague was heard by a senior leader speaking to an outsider at a significant industry conference. The colleague was subtly damaging their reputation despite years of professional cooperation and seeming camaraderie. This betrayal was motivated more by ego and personal ambition than by disagreements at work. This situation occurs frequently in the workplace, where individual benefit trumps the integrity of the team.
Narcissism In The Workplace
We are talking about a behaviour or a personality trait that is characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Such individuals come with the baggage of an overwhelming sense of superiority and entitlement. They crave attention and validation, constantly seeking praise and recognition for their achievements, even at the expense of others.
In professional settings, they show behavioural traits like taking credit for colleagues’ work, using others as stepping stones for personal gain, or taking advantage of others’ skills without proper acknowledgement. To make things worse, they often struggle to empathise with coworkers’ feelings and needs, focusing solely on their own agenda and desires. If that is not enough, they indulge in acts like gaslighting or spreading rumours to serve their interests and maintain their perceived superiority.
Narcissists typically view constructive criticism as a personal attack, becoming defensive or hostile when their competence is questioned. Such unprofessional behaviour only leads to decreased morale among colleagues, dysfunctional communication, and a breakdown in teamwork. Narcissistic bosses create toxic work environments by prioritising their personal goals over the team’s success and stifling creativity and innovation by dismissing others’ ideas.
Big Egos In The Workplace
Although narcissism and a big ego are not related to each other, the second one is another demon that workplaces around the world often deal with. Individuals with big egos display excessive pride in their abilities and accomplishments, often leading to arrogance and overconfidence. Unlike narcissism, which is rooted in deep-seated insecurity, a big ego stems from an inflated sense of self-worth that may or may not be justified by actual achievements.
People with a big ego tend to dominate conversations, assert their opinions forcefully, and may dismiss others’ contributions. When it comes to acknowledging their errors or shortcomings, they prefer to shift blame or make excuses. Such people are inflexible and resistant to new ideas or methods that challenge their established ways of thinking or working.
Managing Narcissism And Egos
Organisations need to implement strong policies governing ethical behaviour and conflicts of interest. They should establish clear expectations for collaboration and respect, as well as provide regular, constructive feedback to help narcissistic individuals develop self-awareness. Last but not least, there should be a professional culture that values and rewards teamwork over individual accomplishments.
For big egos, companies should encourage self-reflection and introspection to help individuals recognise their strengths and areas for improvement, while promoting open communication and constructive dialogue to address issues before they escalate.
Training in emotional intelligence and effective communication can be another powerful tool to enhance interpersonal skills. Also, workplaces need to set clear performance metrics that objectively measure contributions and achievements.