How to work with a narcissist?

• Establish boundaries for yourself.

If you feel a sense of discomfort because you are being asked to do someone too many favors - that's a gut instinct you shouldn't ignore. It's trying to tell you something. A narcissist will not respect your boundaries and may get upset if/when you refuse their request. But that's their problem. Stay firm and resolute in your decisions. It's not easy as they will pull and cling and try everything in their arsenal to win you back, but do your best not to acquiesce.

• Don't let your emotions send you into battle.

There is a great saying, you don't wrestle with a pig because all that happens is you get dirty and the pig likes it. When you realize the manipulation or are cheated in some way by the narcissist in your work life you will want to give them a piece of your mind, but do it without the expectation of being heard; also, expect retaliation and further manipulation to the point where you don't remember what your point was, and you are once again somehow at fault.

• Let them believe what they want.

There's no need to correct them if what they believe has no harmful effect on the company or individuals. This is where keeping your own ego in check comes into play. Watch out for your own feelings of superiority. Narcissists can be great mirrors, reflecting our own narcissistic tendencies back to us.

• Detach from the situation.

Narcissists feed off of a need for them and their services, whatever they may be. If they sense that you need them they will exploit you by dangling things in front of you they think you want. You will most likely want them too.

• Go to HR if behavior gets out of hand.

Inappropriate, deceitful, or harmful behavior shouldn't be condoned in an organization. If applicable, go through the official company channels to report misconduct.