Why Narcissists Crave Power, Dominance & Control

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Bullies, especially those with strong narcissistic traits (not all bullies are narcissists, but all narcissists are bullies!), are driven by an insatiable need for power, dominance, and control in every aspect of their lives. This need stems from their fragile self-esteem, deep insecurity, and desire to maintain an inflated sense of superiority.

While everyone experiences a certain level of desire for control in their lives, narcissists take it to an extreme, often using manipulation, deception, and abuse to maintain dominance over others.

For a narcissist, power is not merely about influence or authority; it is a means to validate their self-worth, protect their vulnerable ego, and feed their craving for admiration and submission from those around them.

From personal relationships to the workplace, the narcissist's hunger for control infiltrates every aspect of their lives, often leaving a trail of emotional damage and dysfunction in their wake.

In this article, we will explore the narcissist's need for power and how it manifests in the workplace, outlining the various tactics they use to dominate and control others.

In the extended YouTube version, I also discuss how power, dominance and control play out in both personal and social relationships. Click here to watch.?

The Roots of a Narcissist's Need For Power

At the core of a narcissist’s behaviour is a fragile self-image that requires constant external validation. Beneath the facade of confidence and superiority lies a deep fear of inadequacy and failure.

To compensate for these insecurities, narcissists seek power as a way to feel in control of their environment and, by extension, their own emotions. Power provides them with a sense of security, dominance, and validation, which allows them to avoid confronting their vulnerabilities.

The narcissist’s desire for control also stems from their need to protect their ego from threats—whether real or perceived. If they feel that someone is challenging their authority or questioning their capabilities, they may react with hostility or aggressive behaviour driven by the need to reassert dominance and suppress feelings of inferiority.

In essence, power acts as a shield for narcissists, allowing them to avoid self-reflection and the discomfort that comes with acknowledging their weaknesses.

Narcissism In the Workplace

The narcissist’s craving for power is frequently evident in the workplace, where they seek to dominate colleagues, subordinates, and even superiors.

Narcissists are often drawn to positions of authority, as these roles provide them a platform to assert control and receive the admiration they crave.

However, their need for power in the workplace can create toxic environments marked by manipulation, exploitation, and dysfunction.

I have many articles and videos on narcissism in the workplace, so I’m not going to go into detail here. You can either go to jobanks.net to read my blog or visit my YouTube channel, @JoBanks , for more information.

1.?Climbing the Ladder Through Manipulation

In professional settings, narcissists often rise to positions of power by using manipulation and deception. They may take credit for others' work, sabotage their colleagues, or use charm and charisma to win over their superiors.

Narcissists will likely present themselves as the most capable and deserving candidate for promotions or leadership roles, often exaggerating their qualifications or contributions.

Once in a position of power, they often use their authority to control others, expecting unquestioned loyalty and admiration. They may micromanage their subordinates, demand constant praise, and become intolerant of criticism.

In these environments, the narcissist's need for dominance creates a hierarchy where they remain at the top while others are relegated to positions of dependence and often fear.

2.?Exploiting Coworkers and Subordinates

A narcissist’s need for control often leads to the exploitation of those around them. They may overburden their subordinates with work, take credit for their efforts, or manipulate coworkers into doing favours for them.

This exploitation is usually justified by the narcissist’s belief in their own superiority—convincing themselves that they deserve special treatment and that others should be grateful to serve their needs.

Narcissistic bosses, in particular, can create environments where employees are constantly belittled, intimidated, or manipulated into compliance. The narcissist’s goal is not just to manage but to dominate, keeping their employees in a state of uncertainty and dependence on their approval.

This ensures that the narcissist retains control over the workplace dynamic, feeding their need for power.

The Consequences of Narcissistic Power and Control

The narcissist’s insatiable need for power and control comes at a significant cost to their relationships and the well-being of those around them. Personal relationships become toxic as the narcissist manipulates and dominates their partner, family, or friends.

In the workplace, narcissists often create hostile environments where fear and manipulation replace trust and collaboration. Over time, the narcissist’s behaviour can lead to the breakdown of relationships, damaged reputations, and emotional trauma for their victims.

For those who find themselves entangled with a narcissist, recognising these behaviours is the first step toward protecting oneself. Setting boundaries, seeking support, and, in some cases, distancing oneself from the narcissist may be necessary to regain control and maintain emotional health.

The Wrap-up

Narcissists crave power, dominance, and control because it feeds their fragile self-esteem and protects them from confronting their deep-seated insecurities. Whether in personal relationships, family dynamics, or professional settings, the narcissist’s need for control manifests through manipulation, exploitation, and emotional abuse.

While they may appear confident and self-assured, their behaviour is driven by an underlying fear of vulnerability and inadequacy. Understanding the narcissist’s need for power can help those affected by their behaviour take steps to safeguard their emotional well-being and regain a sense of autonomy in their lives.

What Next?

Again, in the extended YouTube version, I also discuss how power, dominance and control play out in both personal and social relationships. Click here to watch.?

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