Dealing with manipulative colleagues can be one of the most difficult aspects of the workplace. According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, about 20% of business leaders exhibit manipulative tendencies. These traits are not limited to leadership roles, but when they are present in all team members, they can create a toxic work environment. As an executive leadership coach, I often cover how to effectively deal with such challenging personalities. Let’s look at strategies for dealing with manipulative colleagues constructively and professionally.
Recognize manipulative behavior: Identify the behavior. Manipulation can be as subtle as passive-aggressive comments, or as obvious as taking credit for someone else's work.
Maintain professional boundaries: Set clear boundaries. Be firm about your limits so that manipulation does not affect your work and well-being.
Interaction record keeping: Document your interactions. Factual records can be invaluable, especially if the situation worsens or mediation is required.
Stay emotionally detached: Don't let your emotions dictate your response. Manipulative individuals often take advantage of emotional reactions. Remaining calm and collected can help alleviate their influence.
Communicate clearly and assertively: Express yourself clearly. Assertive communication leaves little room for manipulation, making your position known and respected.
Get support and advice: You are not alone. Talk to a trusted colleague, mentor, or supervisor to get perspective and advice on how to handle the situation.
Avoid gossip and office politics: Don't fan the flames. Getting involved in gossip or office politics can make things worse and have a negative impact on your professionalism.
Focus on solutions, not blame: Aim for solutions. Rather than blame, focus on finding constructive solutions to the problem at hand.
Dealing with a manipulative coworker requires a combination of awareness, tact, and firmness. Adopting these strategies will help you navigate these difficult situations with professionalism and poise.
Leading from within: When confronting manipulation, remember that your honesty and professionalism are your strongest assets. Lead by example, and maintain composure and discipline in the face of adversity.
#1 domestic bestseller
leadership gap
What comes between you and your greatness
After coaching powerful executives around the world for decades, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions based on certain values and characteristics. However, over time, all executives reach a point where performance declines and failures continue. Few understand why or how to prevent it.
BUY NOW
Additional reading you may enjoy:
Lolly Dascal is one of the world’s most sought-after executive leadership coaches. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, 6 languages, and hundreds of companies. As the founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her exclusive leadership programs are designed to be a catalyst for leaders who want to improve performance and make meaningful changes in their companies, lives, and the world.
Among Lolly's numerous awards and accolades, Lolly has: Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts Inc. From a magazine. The Huffington Post honored Lolly with the following honor: The most inspiring women in the world. Her writing has appeared on HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, Psychology Today, and elsewhere. Her latest book, The Leadership Gap: What Stands Between You and Your Greatness It became a national bestseller.