How to deal with narcissistic executives at work?

[Anonymous]

I recently started a new job at an established company, and I’m looking for some advice on handling interactions with one of the top executives who has a pretty narcissistic behavior pattern. He’s known for being very charismatic and likes to be the center of attention, often disrupting the office with his jokes and presence. However, when it’s one-on-one, especially in his office, he becomes very intense and often interrogates employees in a way that feels more like a power play than genuine interest or leadership.

His behavior is quite jarring as he swings from being Mr. Funny Guy to a more intense, almost confrontational persona. It’s been a challenge to adjust to, and I’m finding it tough to maintain my professional demeanor without getting drawn into his dynamics. I want to remain professional and handle our interactions wisely without giving him the upper hand or showing that I’m affected by his tactics. He’s the cofounder of the company so obviously I respect his position but I don’t want him thinking he can pompously lord over me for his own selfish gains and entertainment.

Does anyone have experience with this type of personality in the workplace? How do you manage your interactions with narcissistic executives without compromising your professionalism or personal peace? Any advice or strategies would be greatly appreciated!

[ohsheeT]

When things like this happen I look at it in a lot of different ways.
And when somebody is running a company like that and you watch all this stuff happening and you read right through it it's almost like you want to say..

And I'm sure it will get you in trouble or maybe even fired or might even get you some respect but you have to be prepared for all of it.

But if he calls you into his office and he does what he does

And in a way it'd probably be rude but that's just the way it is because he's taken away your ability to be who you want to be to be an asset for the company.

And when you have somebody in charge you would like to hope that they are a leader because with any good leader their employees will follow them off of $7,000 ft cliff if they are a good leader

But if they don't know how to lead then they have a title of Boss or supervisor or manager

And usually what that means is that all employees are in big trouble because there is no direction there is no communication except for I am the boss and you do what I say and they don't know what they're talking about neither do supervisors neither do managers

I mean you basically are in a position to where all you can do is do your job do it well and keep your mouth shut and hopes that you get recognized by somebody or you move on because it's just a matter of time until you clash

But whatever you say to him it has to make him think which direction doesn't really matter as long as he can empower himself and get something out of it this positive for everybody

You know you can always say somewhere down the road if you get pissed off

So do your higher ups know that you're just a manager I mean how long did the doctor say this position was going to last when are you going to become a leader instead of a supervisor or a boss because that's what this place needs is a leader that knows how to lead

Bosses supervisors and managers..
All they know how to do is a work schedule and they don't even do that right and if something crazy goes on they don't know how to fix it or take care of it or even what to do

Well sometimes we get put in a lot of crazy positions and what we're really there for is usually not what we think we were there for so maybe you were just put there for a minute to make higher ups make better choices or make that guy think deeper and become a better boss supervisor manager that you are in a rock and a hard spot and it's how you deal with it is what's going to either make you realize something and you move on to move into the position that you really are looking for but it just depends on how long you deal with this and how you deal with it sorry I'm not giving you an answer LOL

[Anonymous]

1. Stay calm and neutral: Don’t let his antics provoke you emotionally.

2. **Stick to facts**: Keep conversations focused on work and data, avoiding emotional or personal engagement.

3. **Set boundaries**: Politely assert yourself when needed without being confrontational.

4. **Choose your battles**: Engage only when necessary, and let minor provocations slide.

5. **Prepare thoroughly**: Be ready with clear, concise answers to avoid being caught off-guard.

6. **Deflect if needed**: Redirect conversations to work-related topics when he gets too personal.

7. **Build a support network**: Connect with colleagues who might offer advice or support.

This helps you stay professional and maintain control over the interactions.

[ClassicDropout]

This is probably bad advice given my own personality, but I don't trust my executives any different than the people on my team. I'm serious but also light-hearted at all times in the office. I feel like as long as I do my job and slightly humor the people I talk to, they'll leave me alone.

[OddBeMe]

Not care so much.