Avoiding Arguments

I need some advice. My boss has NPD, and one of his personal triggers is me knowing something he doesn’t know. I suspect it may be a power dominance thing. I think he believes that since I report to him, I shouldn’t know anything that he doesn’t.

We have different educational and work backgrounds, so this issue comes up a lot. I’ll say something in my educational area of expertise (that I know for a fact) and he’ll automatically say the opposite and argue with me. Sometimes these arguments turn ridiculous. For instance if we're arguing over a mathematical formula, I’ll site several online sources or reference a book, and even when it’s right in front of him he’ll deny the source says what it says or claim that the sources must be outdated.

I’m getting frustrated by all of the arguing. What is the best way to avoid these arguments? Should I just say “ok” as soon as he starts to argue and agree with him?

hologram wrote:Should I just say “ok” as soon as he starts to argue and agree with him?

No, put up a modest fight, then let him win.
Everyone's happy!

I wouldn't enable him at all. Just smile and nod and go about your business. He's delusional and nothing you say or do will change that.

Why are you telling him things anyway? Stop it.

legallyblind wrote:No, put up a modest fight, then let him win.
Everyone's happy!

Jasmer wrote:I wouldn't enable him at all. Just smile and nod and go about your business. He's delusional and nothing you say or do will change that.

Thanks. I think I'm going to try both of these. Which one I use will depend on what we are discussing at the time.

OrdoAbChaos wrote:Why are you telling him things anyway? Stop it.

I like this. Not telling him anything ever would solve everything. If only, I could find a way to pull that off.

Tell him he's outdated and you outsource his intellect
Remember to bring popcorn

Miserys Crown wrote:Tell him he's outdated and you outsource his intellect
Remember to bring popcorn

Thanks for the laugh.