Narcissism isn’t always loud and showy. In fact, some narcissists carry a quiet conviction that the world, by default, orbits around them.
This subtle, stealthy narcissism can be even more dangerous because it’s harder to spot.
Yet, recognizing these behaviors is crucial, especially in the cutthroat world of startups and entrepreneurship.
I’m going to share with you seven sneaky behaviors of these quieter narcissists. By being aware of these signs, you can protect yourself and your business from harmful influences.
Let’s delve into the world of narcissism— a place where these individuals believe the sun rises and sets on their command.
And remember, knowledge is power; understanding these behaviors is your first line of defense.
1) Subtle grandiosity
Ever notice some people who subtly, but consistently, ensure that they’re the hero in every story?
They subtly make every achievement, every incident, and even every problem about them.
Welcome to the world of subtle grandiosity.
It’s a common behavior among narcissists who think the world revolves around them.
They have a knack for spinning any narrative in a way that they emerge as the center – the indispensable player without whom everything would collapse.
In a business setting, this could manifest as a team member always taking credit for success or shifting blame when things go wrong.
Recognizing this behavior is key. It allows you to ensure that credit is properly given where it’s due and fosters a healthier, more collaborative environment.
After all, nobody wants to feel like they’re just a satellite in someone else’s orbit.
But remember, it’s important to differentiate between healthy self-esteem and narcissistic grandiosity.
We can all have our moments of pride – it’s when it becomes a consistent pattern that you need to be cautious.
2) Conversational narcissism
I remember once having a chat with a colleague in my early entrepreneurial days. It was a casual conversation about our weekend plans.
I was excited to share about this new hiking trail I was planning to explore.
Before I could even finish, he jumped in, relating my simple hiking plan to that time when he conquered the highest peak in the state.
He went on and on about his adventurous exploits, completely sidelining my initial story.
This is what we call conversational narcissism – the tendency to steer conversations back to themselves.
It’s as if every topic or story is merely a launchpad for them to shine the spotlight back on themselves.
In a business environment, this behavior can stifle collaboration and demotivate team members.
Everyone wants to feel heard and valued, not just serve as a stepping stone for someone else’s self-aggrandizement.
It’s crucial to foster a culture of mutual respect and active listening.
After all, great ideas can come from anywhere, but they’ll never see the light of day if they’re constantly drowned out by a single voice.
3) Lack of empathy
Narcissists often struggle to genuinely empathize with others.
They may feign concern when it suits them, but underneath, there’s a distinct lack of understanding or interest in other people’s feelings or perspectives.
This lack of empathy is actually a key characteristic used by mental health professionals to diagnose narcissistic personality disorder.
In the world of business, empathy is vital. It not only fosters better relationships with your team but also helps you understand your customers and their needs.
A narcissist’s lack of empathy can create a toxic work environment and damage customer relationships.
Recognizing this behavior allows you to counter it by promoting empathy as a key value within your company culture.
4) Entitlement
Entitlement is another hallmark of narcissists who think the world revolves around them.
They often believe that they deserve special treatment or exceptions to the rules. It’s as if they live in a world where normal rules of conduct just don’t apply to them.
In a professional environment, this can manifest as expecting others to pick up their slack, disregarding established procedures, or demanding undue recognition.
It creates an imbalance that can lead to resentment and conflict within a team.
It’s crucial to maintain a fair and merit-based environment.
By doing so, you discourage entitlement, promote accountability, and ensure that everyone feels valued for their contributions.
5) Emotional manipulation
I vividly recall pitching an idea during a team meeting. I was passionate about this project and had spent weeks preparing.
However, a colleague, known for his narcissistic tendencies, wasn’t too thrilled about the spotlight being away from him.
He didn’t outright reject my idea. Instead, he subtly undermined my confidence by questioning my competence and suggesting that I wasn’t ready for such an ambitious project.
I found myself second-guessing and eventually, I backed down.
This is a classic example of emotional manipulation, a tactic frequently used by narcissists.
They’re experts at manipulating emotions to sway situations in their favor or to deflect attention away from their own shortcomings.
In business, this behavior can be detrimental to team morale and individual self-esteem.
Recognizing it is the first step towards addressing it, fostering open and honest communication, and reinforcing mutual respect within your team.
6) Excessive need for admiration
Narcissists thrive on admiration. They crave the spotlight and constantly seek validation from others to feed their inflated ego.
It’s as if they’re always on a stage, performing for applause.
This behavior can be quite draining in a professional setting, as it can shift the focus away from collective goals and towards satisfying one person’s need for attention.
As a leader, it’s essential to recognize this behavior and strive to create a balanced environment where everyone’s efforts are acknowledged equally, and praise isn’t just a tool for ego-stroking, but a genuine recognition of hard work and contribution.
7) Superficial charm
Narcissists, especially the ones who think the world revolves around them, can be incredibly charming.
They often use this charm as a tool to win people over, gain their trust, or manipulate them. It’s a facade they maintain to perpetuate their self-centered world view.
In business, this superficial charm can be misleading and potentially harmful.
It’s essential to look beyond the surface, assess people based on their actions and consistency rather than their initial charm, and ensure that transparency and authenticity are valued over manipulation and deceit.
Final thoughts: The dance of self-awareness
The world of narcissism, particularly the quiet, self-absorbed kind, is complex and multi-faceted.
It’s filled with subtle grandiosity, conversational monopolies, and an intricate web of emotional manipulation.
But here’s the thing: the greatest weapon against any form of manipulation is awareness.
Carl Jung, one of the most iconic figures in psychology, once said, “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.”
This quote rings true when dealing with narcissistic behaviors.
Understanding these behaviors allows us to navigate them better – in business and personal relationships.
It empowers us to create healthier environments and more authentic connections.
It’s not about labeling or blaming. It’s about understanding human behavior, acknowledging its impact, and taking conscious steps towards better interactions.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this complex dance of human interaction together, each trying to figure out our steps along the way.
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