New Boss is a Narcissist - How to Cope?

[CleanUpYourPipeline]

I have worked for one before (micromanaging, subtle put down, passive-aggressive, disempowering, takes credit for all successes but disowns any failures ). He crushed me until I left.

This time I’m different business, I am a lot more mature and seeing this second time around, I understand what is happening and how pathetic he is. Yet, I had a promotion last year before he took over, had lots of praise so far but within days of his rule I am now doubting my capabilities. Ultimately, if I am genuinely not good enough, he will get rid of me or I may leave as in the long term, I can’t work under someone like him. In the meantime, how do I survive and thrive, keeping him sweet? I feel like nothing I do is right, or of it is, he will take credit for it.

He did this today in front of senior management, taking credit for he presentation me and another colleague have put together about the work WE have done in Q3, then turned to us both and said that he was really disappointed in our presentation but at least he managed to save the day by presenting it well and we had such good feedback because previously it has never been done that well. I can’t even get angry, it’s that idiotic.

I would look for something else..! How frustrating! Are there other teams you could make a sideways move to?

It won’t get better …. Change jobs, sorry :(

Thank you, both. There are No sideways options and to get equivalent job elsewhere I really could do with a little longer at current level for credibility, so looking for survival tips for the short term…

At least you have the insight to know this is not about you. You need to hold on to that!! When you send work round be really clear in emails what you have done and if you get asked to do something in conversation send an email to say...as asked I will do x, y, z...so you have everything in writing. If something goes wrong you want to have a clear record of everything you have been asked to do and what work you delivered. Good luck!

I wonder how long it will be before senior management see through him.

Do not doubt yourself, and keep meticulous records. Chin up, keep calm and carry on.

Thank you, he is a master brown-moser too, so that will buy him some time.
I lead a team of 20 people, so can’t have him erode my mojo or it will affect them too. Thank you all!