Gaslighting in Business: Understanding Manipulation in Professional Environments

While scrolling through LinkedIn , I stumbled upon an article discussing gaslighting in the workplace. I’d never heard of it before, so I decided to dig a little deeper. Gaslighting is a psychological trick where someone makes another person doubt their own perceptions or memories. The term originates from an old play where a husband subtly dims the gaslights in their home and insists nothing has changed, causing his wife to question her sanity ( The 1944 movie : Gaslight)

So, how does gaslighting play out in a business environment? Here are some everyday examples:

• Being left out: Imagine you’re excluded from a crucial meeting. When you later ask about it, your boss insists the meeting never happened, leaving you wondering if you missed it or are imagining things.
• Broken promises: Your manager assures you they’ll provide essential project details by the end of the day. When you follow up, they claim they never made that promise, leaving you confused.
• Confusing instructions: You receive clear instructions for a task, but when issues arise, your supervisor says you misunderstood them, even though you followed them exactly.
• Unfair criticism: A colleague spreads rumors about your work quality. When you confront them, they deny any negative comments, making you question your performance.
• Unfulfilled rewards: You’re promised recognition for a successful project, but when it doesn’t happen, you’re told you misunderstood the promise, causing doubt about your achievements.

If You’re an Employee Facing Gaslighting:

"In a world where truth is often manipulated, clarity and integrity become our greatest assets."

Trust your feelings: If something feels off, trust your instincts. Recognise when you’re being manipulated.

Keep a record: Document interactions, instructions, and instances of exclusion or confusion. This can be crucial for formal discussions or seeking support.

Seek feedback: Talk to trusted colleagues or mentors to get an outside perspective on your concerns.

Set clear boundaries: Communicate your expectations to those who act manipulatively. This helps protect your professional integrity.

Report if necessary: If gaslighting continues and affects your work or well-being, escalate the issue to HR or a higher manager for resolution.

In the Entrepreneurial World:

Gaslighting can also appear in various ways. You might be excluded from important strategy discussions, kept in the dark about key details, or subtly undermined without realizing it. Such tactics can lead to self-doubt, especially during tough economic times or fierce competition when individuals might use these tactics to protect their interests.

For Entrepreneurs dealing with gaslighting:

• Expand your network: Build relationships with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry peers. These connections provide support and diverse perspectives that can validate your experiences.
• Verify information: Double-check critical information with trusted sources before making decisions in the fast-moving startup world.
• Keep detailed records: Document important interactions, from emails to instances of feeling undermined. This is essential for addressing manipulative behaviors formally.
• Address issues directly: If comfortable, tackle gaslighting incidents calmly and professionally. Present the facts and focus on specific events.
• Seek support: If gaslighting continues, reach out to a lawyer or advisor. A supportive environment is key for resolving these issues.

Recognising and dealing with gaslighting is crucial for maintaining your personal well-being, by trusting your instincts, keeping detailed records, seeking support and setting clear boundaries you can protect yourself and contribute to a culture of respect.

Take care!

NB

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