7 things a narcissist will do to take credit for someone else’s success

Recognizing a narcissist’s covert tactics to claim your achievements as their own is crucial in maintaining your self-esteem and mental health. These individuals are skilled at manipulating situations and people to their advantage, often leaving their victims feeling undermined and undervalued.

In the world of a narcissist, your success is their success – they have an uncanny ability to twist reality and take credit for accomplishments that aren’t theirs. This can be damaging and confusing, particularly if you’re in a close relationship or working environment with such an individual.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into these underhanded strategies – we’re talking about the 7 sneaky tactics a narcissist uses to steal your success. Unraveling these tactics will empower you to assert your rights and protect your accomplishments.

The key here is understanding, spotting, and effectively dealing with these manipulative behaviors before they cause further harm. So, let’s get started on decoding the narcissist’s playbook.

1) They subtly belittle your efforts

A narcissist has a knack for injecting subtle negativity into your achievements, making them seem lesser than they are. This is often so subtle that it’s hard to pinpoint, but it’s a classic tactic to make them look superior and you inferior.

For instance, they may downplay the amount of effort or skill required to achieve your success. Comments like “Anyone could have done that” or “You just got lucky” are common. Even if they compliment you, it’s often tinged with a backhanded remark that detracts from your accomplishment.

Another approach they use is to highlight their own involvement in your success, however minor it may be. By doing so, they create a narrative where they are the key contributor, thereby claiming a significant chunk of your achievement.

Understanding this manipulation can help you to not internalize their negative messages and protect your self-esteem.

2) They strategically place themselves in your spotlight

Narcissists love attention and they’ll find ways to bask in your limelight. Whenever you achieve success, they will try to align themselves with it, even if their contribution is minimal or non-existent.

It’s not uncommon for them to exaggerate their role in your accomplishment, making it seem like they were instrumental to your success. For instance, they might say that they provided you with the idea, support, or resources that led to your achievement.

This tactic of association allows them to shift the focus from you to themselves, essentially stealing your thunder. They thrive on this stolen recognition and it further fuels their inflated sense of self-importance.

Unfortunately, their charisma and persuasive narrative can often convince others to believe this distorted version of events. This is why it’s important to assert your role and contribution clearly and consistently.

3) They spread rumors to discredit you

A narcissist will stop at nothing to maintain their self-perceived superiority, including resorting to spreading false information or rumors about you. They will attempt to cast doubt on your achievements by questioning your abilities, ethics, or methods.

You might find them insinuating that you cut corners, cheated, or were dishonest to get ahead. By creating a cloud of suspicion around your success, they aim to devalue it and tarnish your reputation.

It’s a crafty way for the narcissist to ensure they remain the ‘hero’ in the narrative at your expense.

4) They use manipulation to control the narrative

Narcissists are master manipulators. They have a unique ability to control the narrative in a manner that suits their needs. When it comes to your success, they will twist the story to make it seem like they had a significant role in it.

For example, they might claim that they mentored you, gave you crucial advice, or provided resources for your success. They may even assert that your achievement was solely due to their guidance or influence.

Regardless of how minimal or non-existent their contribution was, they’ll exaggerate it to seem indispensable. This way, they not only take credit for your success but also reinforce their superior position in the minds of others.

Dealing with such manipulation can be challenging. It requires clear communication and asserting your version of events to counter their narrative.

5) They create distractions to divert attention

When a narcissist can’t find a way to insert themselves into your success, they may resort to creating distractions to divert attention from your accomplishments. This can take the form of an unrelated announcement, a crisis, or an attention-grabbing behavior.

Their goal is to shift the focus from your achievement onto themselves. They might suddenly have a personal emergency or make a big announcement that overshadows your moment. They can’t stand not being the center of attention, and they’ll use any means to regain that spotlight.

It’s a clear sign of their inability to appreciate others’ achievements without making it about themselves. Being aware of this tactic will help you prepare for such situations and handle them effectively.

6) They use guilt to claim ownership

Narcissists are experts at using guilt as a tool to manipulate others and take credit for their success. They might make you feel indebted to them, claiming that your achievements wouldn’t have been possible without their help or support.

They’ll remind you of the times they assisted you, the sacrifices they made, or the favors they did for you. By making you feel guilty, they aim to gain recognition and gratitude for your success.

Remember, it’s one thing to acknowledge someone’s genuine contribution and another to let them hijack your accomplishment based on exaggerated claims. Recognizing this tactic can help you stand your ground and give credit where it’s truly due, not where it’s forcefully claimed.

7) They take advantage of public situations

Narcissists are well aware of the power of public recognition. They often use public situations to their advantage to stake a claim on your success. This could be a social gathering, a team meeting, or an online platform where they can reach a wider audience.

In such scenarios, they might openly attribute your success to their guidance or involvement, ensuring everyone hears their self-praising narrative. And because it’s a public setting, it becomes harder for you to counter their claims without coming off as ungrateful or argumentative.

This manipulative tactic not only allows them to steal your credit but also boosts their image in the eyes of others. Understanding this will help you navigate such situations with grace and assertiveness.

Protecting your success from narcissistic usurpation

When dealing with a narcissist, it’s crucial to stay grounded in your truth and not let their manipulative tactics sway you. Remember, their need to take credit for your success stems from their insecurities and fragile sense of self-worth.

Here are a few strategies to help you protect your success:

1. Maintain clear boundaries: Define what is yours and do not let the narcissist blur these lines. Acknowledge their contributions if they exist, but don’t let them inflate their importance.

2. Be assertive: Speak up when the narcissist tries to hijack your achievements. You have every right to own your success.

3. Seek support: If you find yourself constantly undermined by a narcissist, it can be helpful to seek support from trusted friends, colleagues, or a mental health professional.

4. Focus on facts: When a narcissist tries to distort the narrative, stick to the facts and avoid getting drawn into emotional arguments.

Remember, your success is your own. Don’t let a narcissist’s manipulation cast a shadow over your achievements. Stand strong, stay grounded, and continue shining in your own light.