Narcissistic Leaders: How to spot them and how to avoid their trap

Are you working under a leader whose charm masks a toxicpresence?

In today's episode of Leadership in Construction, Iuncover the hidden traps of narcissistic leaders, how to spot them and, crucially, how to protect yourself.

I’ve seen first-hand how the wrong leadership style can break team morale and hinder productivity. Some leaders thrive on admiration, exploit their employees' dedication, and react poorly to criticism. These are warning signs, red flags that indicate you may be working under a narcissistic leader.

But knowing how to identify these behaviours is just the first step. Today, I share five key strategies to counter manipulation, safeguard your career, and maintain your wellbeing.

Leadership isn't just about authority, it's about influence,trust, and genuine care for your team. Yet, some leaders operate with adifferent mindset.

In this episode, I highlight the five major red flags thatindicate you might be working under a narcissistic leader.

• Craving admiration and the spotlight – They exaggerate achievements and takecredit for their team's work.
• Profound lack of empathy – Your concerns and wellbeing are dismissed in favourof their own agenda.
• Inflated self-importance – They believe rules don’t apply to them, expecting special treatment.
• Sensitivity to criticism – Any feedback triggers defensiveness and blame-shifting.
• Manipulative and exploitative behaviour – They use gaslighting, guilt, and fear to control those around them.

Recognising these behaviours is vital, but it’s not enough.I also share strategies to neutralize their impact and protect yourself:

• Establish firm boundaries – Define your workresponsibilities and enforce limits.
• Document everything – Keep records of interactions and achievements to counter manipulation.
• Communicate strategically – Stay factual, avoid emotional confrontations, and use structured responses.
• Build a support system – Seek validation from mentors,colleagues, or friends outside their influence.
• Prioritize your wellbeing – Stay detached, practiceself-care, and consider alternative career moves if necessary.

Key Lessons Learned:

• Narcissistic leaders prioritize their own success at theexpense of their teams.
• Setting boundaries and keeping records can help protect yourself from blame-shifting.
• Strategic communication minimizes conflict and reduces manipulation.
• Seeking external support fosters resilience and perspective.
• Sometimes, the best course of action is to step away from a toxic environment.

Timestamps:

• [01:05] Introduction: Why leadership styles matter
• [03:30] Identifying narcissistic traits in leaders
• [08:15] Red flags: Five warning signs to watch for
• [15:40] Strategies to protect yourself
• [22:10] The importance of prioritizing mental and emotional wellbeing
• [26:45] Conclusion: Leading with purpose

Links Mentioned:

Free Guide: 10 Quick Steps to Turn Disengaged Employees into Productivity Machines – https://linktr.ee/michaelfisher88