As health-striving individual, I have a hard time bending to the sick caprices of a narcissist leader, as is usual in high-profile projects.
On the other hand, I tend to roll humble and friendly. The kind of person that says good morning even to the janitor, and any other non-elite members. (however, I do tell the truth if asked about some past high-profile stuff I was involved with).
And, surely and steadily, I develop and strengthen my contribution to the point that, typically, some other project participants get jealous and even sabotaging. This, even if only in isolated cases, and mixed with the narcissistic leader’s perception of being challenged by me, for, for example, not accepting to come to work sick, results in my ostracism in the group in question.
Having a "truth teller" profile, this further compounds the problem, even if I carefully choose my words - which I do. I feel that my non-verbal language nevertheless expresses what I really think.
- Then, how to at least, stay in good terms with my peer participants?
Happy to hear your views and experiences!
PS: The projects are too high-profile and ad hoc to have anything like a 3rd party that can be appealed to.
Perhaps you're ready to sit down with someone who can actively listen to you and help you find out what you really need in life. Quite possibly you'd be a good deal happier doing something else.
Speak truth! If you speak truth to your active listener it might not take long at all.
:)