Author: Tina Kos
Publication date: 17.04.2024
Workplace manipulation usually involves controlling events, people, or information to achieve a desired outcome in a workplace. This behavior can detrimentally impact both individuals and the company's health. It can appear in many different ways and it can be difficult to spot manipulative behavior, particularly if you’re the one being manipulated.
Classic signs of manipulation in a work place
Trying to assert control by dictating the terms of conversations. Additionally, imposing tight deadlines for decision-making, with the hope that the time pressure will force you to say yes to the manipulator’s ideas.
Lying often or making excuses and either exaggerate or understate facts, and also present information in a biased or one-sided way.
Using negative emotions to get you to do what they want, they rely on your fear and hope it will make you follow their orders.
They often make comments that make you feel bad about yourself, when giving feedback they focus on the negative and make comments to make you feel inadequate.
Making you feel guilty with the hope that you’ll bend to their demands if you feel bad for them.
Address the manipulation in a workplace
Dealing with a manipulator in a business setting demands a strategic and professional approach. Here are some points on how to handle manipulative people at the office:
Document each occurrence of employee manipulation that you observe, including relevant discussions, dates, and activities. This collected data is invaluable when formally addressing manipulation concerns within the organizational structure. Concrete evidence is essential to effectively tackle the issue, uphold accountability, and foster a workplace culture grounded in transparency and integrity.
Maintain a professional demeanor when engaging with manipulative individuals, regardless of the outcome. Prioritize the existance of a positive workplace culture and the open communication. Your commitment to these values enhances a supportive work atmosphere, minimizes the effects of manipulation on employees, and promotes a more productive and collaborative environment.
Let a manager or superior know what's going on. Your job or office needs to be a safe place for everyone to work and manipulation doesn't add to a positive workplace culture. The options for informing your superiors about what's going on at work are writing a formal complaint letter, making a report to human resources or requesting an in-person meeting.
Solutions to tackle manipulation in a workplace
A healthy work environment has the potential to reduce the expansion of manipulative and toxic behavior among employees. Healthy work environment can be created when we establish communication and implement work and personal boundaries. Expressing opinions and engaging in healthy confrontations not only prevents future disagreements but also fosters open-mindedness and stimulates innovative ideas among everyone involved. Also offering support and services that are dedicated to helping employees suffering from stress or mental illnesses.
Make sure to clearly communicate your expectations, emphasizing the need for everyone to be respectful. Let them know that following these expectations is crucial for building a positive and cooperative workplace. By setting these guidelines, you create an environment where manipulation isn't tolerated, and people feel encouraged to be honest and trustworthy.
Conclusion
Addressing the manipulation at work is really important for making sure everyone feels good and works well together. If we notice someone being manipulative, it's important to speak up and do something about it. We can do this by keeping track of what's happening, staying professional, and talking openly. When we create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up and respect each other's boundaries, we make sure everyone is happy and healthy at work.
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