The quiet threat of 'covert' narcissists in the workplace

The quiet threat of 'covert' narcissists in the workplace Getty Images Narcissists aren’t all overt and grandiose. While overt narcissists may care less about rocking the boat to demand the attention they crave, covert narcissists are "not comfortable presenting in that larger-than-life way", says Julie L Hall, author of The Narcissist in Your Life, who's written about covert narcissism in particular. Playing the victim in this way is "super common – almost a given" for covert narcissists, says Hall. "Covert narcissists may affect us in a more invisible way because we are not as prepared to deal with them," says Moon, adding that more research is needed to investigate this more deeply. Moon says their study shows that "boosting self-esteem is key" to potentially helping covert narcissists experience less incivility at work and possibly change their harmful habits; studies have shown emotional intelligence and self-esteem have a correlational relationship, so if one improves, the other may, as well.