Narcissists - Survival Skills at Work

Peter Quarry outlines a variety of strategies for coping with narcissists at work – avoid discussing rights and wrongs, don’t expect apologies, manage boundaries, and try not to get upset. It’s better to ask questions. Peter suggests using flattery – ask the narcissist for advice. Explain how an idea will benefit the narcissist, step back from reacting. If a narcissist is triggered, Peter advises that the best strategies are to empathize with their feelings and distract them by asking questions on a subject they feel comfortable with.

Peter’s message is that dealing with a narcissist is challenging and not fair, but it is the best way to avoid becoming a victim of narcissism. The narcissist is extremely unlikely to change. Peter also recommends having a support network and keeping documentation if the situation becomes too difficult.

Peter Quarry discusses survival skills at work:

• Six practical tips and strategies
• It's not about you, and it's not fair
• If a narcissist is triggered - empathize and distract
• Eight suggestions for working with a narcissist - from flattery to documentation
• Accept they won't change