Latest news with #workplaceCulture
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How To Handle Narcissism And Egos In The Workplace
By Levi King The goal is to create a balanced workplace culture that harnesses ambition. Once upon a time, I was at a big conference with several members of my executive team at the time. The conference was just wrapping up when I spotted one of them—I'll call him Maurice—standing in a corner chatting with a fellow from a different company. I'd worked with Maurice for years at this point. We didn't have a lot in common in terms of where we grew up, what schools we attended, and many other things that make up for one's basic life experience, but I trusted him as a colleague and thought of him as a friend. Just as I neared Maurice and the guy he was chatting with, I heard the latter say something that stopped me in my tracks: 'I'm sorry you have to work with that schmuck Levi. It sounds like it's been a terrible experience and I hope you can continue to make up for his bungling and keep things running smoothly over there.' This is how I discovered that a trusted colleague and friend had been tearing me down behind my back for reasons which didn't come to light until later, but which basically boiled down to outsized ego and ambition. It won't come as a big surprise to anyone who's ever worked in corporate America to realize that many folks outside of our world perceive many folk in it as big-headed braggadocious monsters. The competition is intense and the rewards high. But Maurice, I think, represents something more than simply white collar Darwinism. Narcissism and big egos are often conflated in discussions about problematic workplace behavior, but they represent distinct psychological phenomena with important differences in how they manifest and impact organizations. While both can create challenges in professional settings, understanding the nuances between narcissism and big egos is crucial for effectively managing workplace dynamics and fostering a healthy organizational culture. Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. In the workplace, narcissistic individuals often display an overwhelming sense of superiority and entitlement. They crave attention and validation, constantly seeking praise and recognition for their achievements, even at the expense of others. Narcissists in professional settings tend to exhibit several key behaviors: The impact of narcissism on workplace dynamics can be severe. It often leads to decreased morale among colleagues, dysfunctional communication, and a breakdown in teamwork. Narcissistic leaders, in particular, can create toxic work environments by prioritizing their personal goals over the team's success and stifling creativity and innovation by dismissing others' ideas. While related to narcissism, a big ego in the workplace is a distinct concept. Individuals with big egos display excessive pride in their abilities and accomplishments, often leading to arrogance and overconfidence. Unlike narcissism, which is rooted in deep-seated insecurity, a big ego stems from an inflated sense of self-worth that may or may not be justified by actual achievements. Key characteristics of individuals with big egos in the workplace include: While big egos can drive individuals to achieve great things, they can also create friction within teams and hinder collaborative efforts. The impact on workplace dynamics, while potentially disruptive, is often less severe and pervasive than that of narcissism. The primary distinctions between narcissism and big egos in the workplace lie in their underlying motivations and the extent of their impact: Narcissists fundamentally lack empathy, whereas individuals with big egos may still possess the capacity for empathy, even if it's overshadowed by their inflated self-image. Narcissists have an insatiable need for admiration and validation from others, while those with big egos may be more self-contained in their sense of superiority. Narcissists are more likely to engage in calculated manipulation and exploitation of others, whereas big egos might unintentionally alienate colleagues through their arrogance. Narcissists react to criticism with intense defensiveness or rage, viewing it as a threat to their self-image. Those with big egos may be dismissive of criticism but are less likely to react with hostility. Narcissistic leaders can fundamentally alter an organization's culture, creating lasting damage even after their departure. Big egos, while problematic, typically have a more localized impact on immediate team dynamics. More from AllBusiness: Addressing narcissism and big egos in the workplace requires different approaches. For narcissism: For big egos: While both narcissism and big egos can create challenges in the workplace, understanding their distinct characteristics is crucial for effective management. Narcissism represents a more pervasive and potentially damaging force, capable of undermining organizational culture and team dynamics at a fundamental level. Big egos, while problematic, are often more manageable and may even drive positive outcomes when properly channeled. By recognizing these differences, leaders and HR professionals can develop targeted strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of both narcissism and big egos, fostering a more collaborative, innovative, and psychologically safe work environment. Ultimately, the goal is to create a balanced workplace culture that harnesses the drive and ambition often associated with strong personalities while ensuring that these traits don't come at the expense of teamwork, empathy, and overall organizational health. Being blindsided at a work conference certainly wasn't fun, but the real consequences of Maurice's narcissism ultimately proved to be much more serious. The more you learn to tell the difference between good old-fashioned ego and something more sinister, the less likely it is you'll waste months—even years—working alongside people who are pulling things down just as quickly as you are building them up.
Independent Singapore
17 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
'What to do if your boss talks down to you?' — Employee wants to quit after her boss repeatedly humiliates her at work
SINGAPORE: Being corrected at work is part and parcel of any job, but one Singaporean employee says the way her boss goes about it has left her feeling anxious, demoralised, and increasingly burnt out. On Monday (Jun 2), the employee wrote in a forum post that while her boss is usually friendly and approachable during casual chats or one-on-one conversations, things take a turn the moment she slips up at work. 'She (my boss) likes to talk down to me, especially whenever I make a mistake. And it's always when other colleagues can eavesdrop. Instead of correcting me in private, she would say it in a condescending manner and it sucks,' the employee said. 'It's causing me a lot of anxiety, and I dread going to work every day. I wanna change my job, but as we all know, it's an employer's market now.' Crying out for help, she asked the community: 'What would you do if your boss talks down to you? Is this common in Singapore?' 'Focus on the content of the message rather than how it is delivered…' In the comments, opinions were divided. Some people sympathised with the employee, pointing out how common it is for certain managers in Singapore to use public embarrassment as a way to correct mistakes. They shared that this kind of top-down communication style, where employees are talked down to in front of others, still happens more often than it should. 'I have a manager that's like that, loves to shame you over a small mistake in the group chat,' one shared. 'Tell you what. Just find another job in the meantime.' Another commented, 'I used to have a boss like this, early on in my career. She seemed nice, but she would constantly have criticisms (later on, I realised she did that to the previous girl in my role too), and she would nitpick on every little issue. After I grew older and had more work experience, I realised that was her toxic, insecure way of gaining control.' Others, however, suggested that the employee take a step back and consider whether the issue might also lie in miscommunication or a lack of self-awareness. One said, 'She might have asked multiple times already, but you didn't get it, so she had to be mean so you remember. It's always easiest for everyone to shout toxic without knowing the full context. The best advice I can give you is to increase self-awareness and see if it's partially your fault.' Another advised, 'Focus on the content of the message rather than how it is delivered – for me, if it is really a mistake that I've made and my boss is giving good constructive feedback then I'll suck thumb and learn from it.' What to do when your boss criticises you in front of others Getting criticised by your boss in front of others can feel uncomfortable or even humiliating. But how you respond can either escalate the situation or turn it into something constructive. Here are five ways to handle it well, according to career experts: 1. Stay composed. Even if you feel upset or embarrassed, try to keep your emotions in check. 2. Reflect. Even if the delivery was poor, the content of the criticism might still be valid. Take a moment to reflect: Was this something you could've handled better? Are there areas for improvement? 3. Ask questions. Instead of shutting down or reacting defensively, ask questions to understand the concern better. This shows that you're willing to learn and improve. See also How you lock your smartphone can reveal your age: Study 4. Highlight inconsistencies. If the criticism contradicts the earlier feedback you've received, it's okay to speak up respectfully. You could say something like, 'I remember we discussed a different approach earlier. Should I still be following that?' 5. Stand your ground. If you believe the criticism is unfair or based on incomplete information, it's okay to explain your side. Be clear, calm, and provide any relevant facts to support your view. Read also: Former teacher takes pay cut for career change and falls in love with her new 'eight-to-five' admin job, 'glued to the chair typing away' Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
Which major companies in Canada have asked staff to return to the office?
Candy Ho, a workplace culture expert in the Vancouver area, shares what she thinks about companies moving away from remote work.
National Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Docebo Named to Newsweek's 2025 Global Most Loved Workplaces® List
Article content Article content Article content Global recognition highlights Docebo's commitment to a culture of respect, inclusion, and employee growth. Article content TORONTO — Docebo Inc. (NASDAQ: DCBO; TSX: DCBO), a leading learning platform provider with a foundation in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, today announced its inclusion on Newsweek's 2025 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list. This recognition reflects Docebo's dedication to cultivating a culture where employees feel deeply connected, respected, and empowered to grow. Article content The Global Most Loved Workplaces® list, produced in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), honors 100 companies across the globe that prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being. Rankings are based on BPI's proprietary Love of Workplace Index™, which incorporates employee feedback, sentiment data, and organizational practices from more than 2 million voices worldwide. Article content 'This recognition validates what we've known internally for a long time: that our people are at the heart of our success,' said Alessio Artuffo, Chief Executive Officer of Docebo. 'We've built Docebo around the belief that when people feel respected, heard, and empowered, great things happen—for our customers, our business, and the broader community.' Docebo was honored for excellence across five key categories: Article content Additional recognition was given for Docebo's efforts in fostering inclusion, transparency, and professional development throughout its global organization. Article content 'Creating a workplace where people feel like they truly belong and can grow is not just a goal—it's a commitment we live every day,' said Lauren Tropeano, Chief People Officer at Docebo. 'This award is a reflection of the passion and heart our people bring to Docebo, and we are incredibly proud to be recognized on a global scale.' Article content Docebo (NASDAQ:DCBO; TSX:DCBO) is redefining the way enterprises leverage technology to create and manage content, deliver training, and measure the business impact of their learning programs. With Docebo's end-to-end learning platform, organizations worldwide are equipped to deliver scaled, personalized learning across all their audiences and use cases, driving growth and powering their business. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
United Pharmacies wins 'Best Place to Work' Award in Saudi Arabia for 2025
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – United Pharmacies, one of the leading companies in the pharmaceutical and healthcare products sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced that it has been awarded the "Best Place to Work" title for the year 2025 by Great Place to Work. This achievement reaffirms the company's status as one of the most attractive and reputable employers in the healthcare sector in the Kingdom. The 'Best Place to Work' award is one of the most prestigious honors both locally and internationally. Its evaluation is based on employees' own feedback and their direct experience within the workplace. This year's results revealed that 94% of United Pharmacies employees affirmed that the company is 'a great place to work,' exceeding the global average by 4%. This reflects the high level of satisfaction among the company's workforce. Commenting on this milestone, Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place to Work, stated: 'The Best Place to Work certification is more than just a title; it is a genuine reflection of a company's culture and daily practices that foster a strong sense of belonging and satisfaction among employees. Based on the outstanding evaluation results, it is clear that United Pharmacies is among the top organizations that prioritize employee well-being.' She added: 'This recognition demonstrates that United Pharmacies has successfully built a workplace culture based on trust, transparency, and continuous support—values that sustain high performance and attract top talent.' On his part, Mr. Khaled Yaseen, CEO of United Pharmacies Group, expressed his pride in this achievement, saying: 'Receiving this prestigious award is a true testament to our commitment to building a positive and supportive work culture. The credit goes to our dedicated employees, who are the cornerstone of our continued success. We deeply value their commitment and efforts, which have paved the way for this exceptional recognition.' Yaseen also noted that United Pharmacies places the development of the work environment at the top of its priorities. The company continuously invests in professional training programs and employee development to enhance performance and achieve organizational excellence. Founded on Professional Values and Vision United Pharmacies Group was established by Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahim Yaseen, one of the pioneers of the pharmacy and healthcare sectors in the Kingdom. With decades of experience, Sheikh Dr. Yaseen laid the foundation for a strong, trusted national company rooted in authentic Islamic values and high professional standards. The company is committed to delivering the highest levels of healthcare service, supporting innovation, and empowering national talents. This award stands today as a direct outcome of the company's clear institutional approach—built on a solid foundation of trust, sustainability, and long-term vision. A Supportive Environment for Growth and Development United Pharmacies adopts a people-first philosophy, placing employees at the heart of its growth journey. The company offers advanced leadership and development programs aimed at building the capabilities of its administrative and technical staff while enhancing organizational loyalty. Flexible workplace policies are also in place to promote work-life balance, fairness, and recognition—fostering a positive atmosphere across all levels of the organization. Promising Career Opportunities United Pharmacies invites skilled professionals and qualified Saudi and non-Saudi talent to join its internationally certified work environment. Interested candidates can visit the company's official careers page to apply via: 🔗 United Pharmacies is one of the fastest-growing pharmacy chains in the Kingdom, distinguished by its comprehensive offerings of medications, treatments, and healthcare services. The company is committed to the highest standards of quality and professionalism, with a clear mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Saudi Arabia.
