Recognizing Manipulation in Organizations

Manipulative behavior in organizations, often labeled as politics, is detrimental to team dynamics. Politically motivated actions, fueled by the goal of personal gain, can harm individuals and the overall health of the organization. It is important to differentiate between honest intentions and manipulation. Examples of manipulative behaviors include lying, guilt-tripping, flattery, triangulation, moving the goalposts, projection, and the toxic practice of love bombing. Recognizing these behaviors is crucial in order to cultivate a culture of trust, vulnerability, and transparency within teams.