I truly always look forward to Tuesdays.
Welcome to this week’s edition of ICS Connect. As usual, the curious world of workplace dynamics is what we discuss. This time, we’re talking about a character we all know too well – “The Narcissist” Yes o, the one who makes every meeting feel like their personal TED Talk and can turn your lunch break into a saga of self-praise.
Thinking…….. “Let us name our Narcissist for this edition, hmmm what name can we give them? I think it should be a Unisex name so that it covers both genders“
Let’s call him/her Bolu
Disclaimer: This name has been picked randomly and without prejudice and has nothing to do with the Bolu you know.
Bolu is that colleague who somehow always finds a way to steer any conversation back to his/her latest achievement. Got a new project? Bolu’s already done it better. Had a minor success? Bolu’s got a grander story. If you’ve ever complimented someone else, Bolu might have magically appeared to one-up them. Bolu is the office superstar… in his mind.
Spotting Bolu
Bolu thrives on admiration. His/her desk is a shrine to himself/herself, with awards (both real and self-created), and photos from his most glamorous moments. He’s always ready to tell you how he single-handedly saved the last big project, or how his idea, yet again, revolutionized the way things are done around here.
I think we should just assume that Bolu is male. (him/her is tiring)
Dealing with Bolu
So, how do you cope with Bolu without losing your sanity or your sense of humour? Here are a few tips:
- Smile and Nod: Sometimes, it’s easier to let Bolu have his moment. A simple smile and nod can go a long way in keeping the peace.
- Deflect and Redirect: If Bolu starts his usual self-glorification, steer the conversation to more collaborative topics. “That’s great, Bolu! How can we all contribute to this project?”
- Set Boundaries: It’s okay to assert your space and time. If Bolu’s monopolizing your day, politely but firmly excuse yourself. “Bolu, I’d love to hear more, but I need to finish this report. Let’s catch up later.”
Finding the Humor
Remember, humour can be a powerful tool in navigating office dynamics. Laughing at the absurdity of Bolu’s antics can help you stay sane. Think of Bolu as the office’s sitcom character. Every workplace has one, and they make for great stories over lunch with friends.
A Word of Caution
While it’s easy to joke about Bolu, it’s important to approach this with empathy. Sometimes, narcissistic behaviour can stem from deeper insecurities or a need for validation. If Bolu’s behaviour crosses the line into harassment or creates a toxic work environment, it’s crucial to involve HR and address the issue professionally.
The Uniqueness
In the end, workplaces are a mix of personalities, and each one brings something unique to the table. Even Bolu, with his larger-than-life persona, is part of the mosaic that makes office life interesting. Embracing these quirks with humour and grace can make for a more harmonious workplace.
So, next time Bolu starts recounting his latest “legendary” achievement, remember to smile, nod, and maybe even chuckle to yourself. After all, it’s these characters that add colour to our daily grind.
It’s been a pleasure sharing with you this week on ICS Connect. Until next week, keep smiling and keep connecting!
Cheers.
