Identifying narcissistic behavior early can help you protect your emotional well-being and better navigate the dynamics at play. Some red flags include:
- Taking credit for others’ work: They swoop in at the last minute or subtly insert themselves into a successful project—then proudly present the results as their own.
- Constantly seeking the spotlight: They’re always the loudest voice in the room, and their accomplishments—real or exaggerated—are the center of every conversation.
- Over-the-top competitiveness: Instead of collaboration, everything feels like a race. They need to win, even if it means stepping over others.
- Dismissing others’ input: No matter how insightful or valuable your ideas are, theirs always take priority. Your contributions? Barely acknowledged.
- Undermining colleagues: Narcissists may subtly (or overtly) devalue others to elevate themselves.
- Lack of true teamwork: They’re all in when it benefits them—but the moment collaboration requires compromise or recognition of others, they check out.
These behaviors can fly under the radar at first, but over time, the pattern becomes clear—and exhausting.
