Rachel Premack* says that while it’s true that narcissistic workers often get the best jobs and promotions, there are things that others can learn from them.
People with narcissistic personality disorder believe they are fundamentally special.
In the workplace, they’re likely to be the ones trying to manipulate everyone around them to get a promotion or telling outlandish stories about their recent accomplishments.
There’s one mental block that most narcissists never have to experience: Impostor syndrome.
Ultra-successful people often deal with impostor syndrome.
This psychological phenomenon defines a feeling that, despite being skilled and hard working, you don’t deserve any of your successes.
They will soon be exposed as a fraud.
Narcissists, on the other hand, believe that they’re destined for great things, whether or not they have the skills to get there.
Instead of doubting their skills and feeling unable to ask for more from their employers, they demand more opportunities and leadership roles.
They don’t suffer from the impostor syndrome that holds so many people back from achieving great success.
Implementing a little bit of their own thinking could radically change how you go after new opportunities.
The best way to get to the next level of your career isn’t by hoping that someone notices you.
It’s by being proactive and asking for it yourself.
That’s something narcissists do naturally.
So, stop doubting yourself, take a look at what you’ve accomplished in your role, and ask for something new or bigger if that’s what you’re yearning for.
Something about that approach is definitely working for narcissists.
Studies have shown that narcissists are more likely to assume leadership roles — though research has also shown that they’re not necessarily the most effective leaders.
This isn’t the only indication that we can steal some tricks from narcissists.
Some research suggests that narcissists are less depressed, anxious, and lonely than the general population.
They also tend to make better first impressions.
Taking some lessons from a narcissist’s way of thinking doesn’t, in turn, make you a narcissist.
They have a psychological disease that begins forming at a young age.
Learn what you can from them and use what you can to help you achieve your own dreams.
*Rachel Premack is a careers reporter at Business Insider. She tweets @rrpre
This article first appeared at www.businessinsider.com.au.
