Let's face it—narcissists are a part of life. They show up in all kinds of settings, from family gatherings to, yes, the workplace. You’ve probably crossed paths with one at work and thought, “How do I even deal with this person?” But what if I told you that having a narcissist on your team can actually be a good thing? No, I’m not saying you should invite toxic behavior into your organization, but if managed right, a narcissist’s qualities can be harnessed for the benefit of your team and your bottom line.
Let’s walk through the steps of how to leverage their traits and turn that complex personality into a workplace advantage.
1. Narcissists Thrive on Recognition—So Give It to Them
The Problem: Narcissists have an undeniable need for praise and recognition. This can make them seem self-centered and difficult to manage, especially if you're trying to foster a team-oriented environment.
The Solution: Use this need to your advantage. Narcissists often perform exceptionally well when they know they're being acknowledged for their work. Give them defined goals that can lead to personal recognition or reward. When you align their personal need for validation with your company’s objectives, they’ll be motivated to outperform everyone.
How to Implement It: Set individual performance targets for your narcissistic employee and make sure their successes are visible. Public recognition can act as a carrot, driving their ambition in the direction you want. Frame their success in a way that connects it to team achievements, so their wins become your team’s wins.
2. Channel Their Confidence into Leadership Opportunities
The Problem: Narcissists are known for their confidence—often overconfidence. They believe they’re the best, and in some cases, that belief can rub others the wrong way, especially if it undermines team cohesion.
The Solution: Rather than trying to temper their confidence, direct it toward leadership roles where their self-assured nature will be an asset. Narcissists often thrive in positions where they can show off their strengths and take charge. They’ll likely jump at the chance to lead initiatives, spearhead projects, and drive results.
How to Implement It: Assign them to high-visibility projects where their leadership can shine. But here’s the kicker—make sure they know the success of these projects will impact their reputation. When their personal pride is on the line, you’ll likely see them go above and beyond to ensure success. They’ll want to be seen as the hero, and if you guide them right, their victories will benefit the company.
3. Encourage Their Competitive Spirit
The Problem: A narcissist’s need to be the best can sometimes lead to unnecessary competition, undercutting colleagues or stepping on toes.
The Solution: Rather than stifling that competitive spirit, channel it in a productive direction. Narcissists hate losing, so create healthy competition within your team or organization. They’ll push themselves (and everyone else) to come out on top.
How to Implement It: Create an environment where competition is encouraged, but keep it framed around achieving company goals rather than personal ambition. Introduce performance metrics or sales targets that reward individuals and teams. Narcissists will push to be the best—and in doing so, they’ll drive the rest of your team to elevate their game as well.
4. Use Their Charisma to Strengthen Client Relationships
The Problem: Narcissists often come across as charming, charismatic, and persuasive. While these traits can be grating internally, they can be incredibly useful when dealing with clients or external partners.
The Solution: Put them in positions where they can use their charm to benefit the company. Narcissists tend to excel in roles where personal relationships and presentation are key. Let them shine in front of clients—they’ll love the spotlight, and your company will benefit from their ability to influence and persuade.
How to Implement It: Assign them client-facing roles or have them lead presentations where their natural charisma can be leveraged. By giving them these high-stakes opportunities, you’re playing into their desire for recognition while also getting the best results for your clients.
5. Set Clear Boundaries to Keep Their Ego in Check
The Problem: Narcissists can push limits, crossing boundaries with colleagues or trying to take too much credit for team efforts. Left unchecked, this can create a toxic work environment.
The Solution: Establish firm boundaries early on. While you can tap into their strengths, it’s crucial to maintain clear lines of respect, collaboration, and accountability. Be direct with narcissists—they respect power and clarity. Don’t shy away from calling out behaviors that disrupt the team dynamic, but do so in a way that appeals to their need for self-preservation.
How to Implement It: Have regular one-on-one meetings where expectations are made crystal clear. When offering feedback, emphasize how their actions impact their reputation and long-term success. A narcissist is less likely to take feedback personally if they see it as a means to maintain their image and standing in the company.
Turn Narcissism into an Asset,
Not a Liability
We all know narcissists exist, and while they can be challenging, they’re not inherently harmful—if you know how to manage them. By leveraging their need for recognition, confidence, competitiveness, and charm, you can turn what many see as a workplace liability into an undeniable asset. The key is knowing how to guide their strengths toward team success while setting boundaries that keep their ego in check.
Narcissists may always put themselves first, but with the right approach, you can make sure their drive to be the best benefits your company as a whole. At the end of the day, it’s about turning every personality trait into a win—for them and for you.
