Workplace Gaslighting: Two-Person Conflict or One High-Conflict Person?
Sep 21, 2023
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Learn how to identify high-conflict people in the workplace and differentiate them from mutual conflicts. Discover signs of gaslighting and explore professional ways to address issues. Get insights on role-playing responses and suggest conflict resolution training. Tune in for strategies on dealing with high-conflict people and workplace dynamics.
Provide specific details to communicate that workplace conflict is driven by a high-conflict person rather than being a mutual disagreement.
Recognize gaslighting signs like being told the conflict isn't real, and explore options like transferring departments or getting coaching to address high-conflict situations at work.
Deep dives
Recognizing the Role of a High Conflict Person
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the challenge of helping others recognize that conflict isn't always just a spat between two people, especially in cases involving high conflict personalities (HCPs). They highlight how HCPs can employ gaslighting techniques to deny their own behavior and manipulate others. Gaslighting is explained as a form of psychological manipulation that makes someone question their own experience. The hosts emphasize that recognizing gaslighting and its effects is crucial in managing high-conflict situations.
Educating Management and HR
The episode delves into how to help management and HR understand that one high conflict person can be driving a conflict, rather than it being a mutual disagreement or a 'catty girl fight.' The hosts suggest that organizations should have a fundamental principle to consider multiple theories when allegations of high conflict behavior arise. They emphasize the importance of providing specific details to communicate that it is not a case of two people fighting but rather one person acting badly. By attacking the belief that it's a mutual conflict and presenting evidence-based facts, management can better understand the situation.
Addressing Gender Stereotypes and Bias
The podcast addresses the issue of gender stereotypes in conflict situations, particularly when female employees are involved. The hosts highlight the need to challenge the notion that conflicts between women are just 'office girls spatting,' and instead be proactive in recognizing and addressing high-conflict behaviors. They suggest fostering a culture shift within organizations by holding conflict resolution trainings for the entire team. By empowering employees to understand and manage conflict, high conflict individuals may either change their behavior or opt to leave, ultimately improving the overall work environment.
Identifying High-Conflict People vs. Mutual Conflict at Work
In this episode of It's All Your Fault, hosts Bill Eddy and Megan Hunter discuss how to identify when workplace conflict is driven by a high-conflict person rather than being a mutual disagreement. They share research-based strategies from the High Conflict Institute.
Bill and Megan explain how to demonstrate to management that conflict is one-sided rather than two employees having a spat. They discuss options for addressing issues professionally while remaining calm and solution-focused. Bill emphasizes responding confidently. Megan shares how training can help management recognize high-conflict personalities.
You may be wondering:
How can I show this is more than just a mutual conflict?
What are signs of being gaslit when you report issues?
What options do I have for addressing the issues professionally?
How can I respond confidently and calmly?
Will training help management recognize high-conflict people?
Key Takeaways:
Provide facts about the high-conflict person's specific behaviors
Watch for gaslighting signs like being told the conflict isn't real
Explore options like transferring departments or getting coaching
Role-play responses to remain calm and solution-focused
Suggest conflict resolution training to encourage self-removal
Megan and Bill offer insightful strategies for identifying and responding to high-conflict people at work. Tune in to learn research-based approaches.