Gaslighting in the workplace can be just as damaging as it is in personal relationships. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and founder of Comprehend the Mind, gaslighting undermines confidence, erodes trust, and reduces productivity. It’s essential to recognize these tactics to protect yourself and know when it’s time to look for a new job.
Here are seven phrases that employers use to gaslight employees:
1. “We already talked about this in the meeting.” This phrase is used to make an employee feel unprepared or inattentive, even if they didn’t miss something.
2. “You must have misunderstood the assignment.” This phrase blames the employee for confusion and creates doubt about their ability to follow directions.
3. “Our numbers are wrong, check again.” The employer may claim the data is incorrect when it’s actually correct, eroding trust in the employee’s work.
4. “That deadline was always today.” Changing expectations last minute and claiming they were always set can create pressure and self-doubt.
5. “I never approved that request.” Denying approval forces the employee to question their memory of the exchange and avoids responsibility.
6. “I didn’t say to do it that way.” This phrase dismisses effort, implies incompetence, and covers up unclear or shifting directions from the employer.
7. “You’re making this project more complicated than it is.” The boss downplays challenges faced by the employee, discouraging them from raising valid obstacles.
To deal with a gaslighting boss:
– Stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally.
– Document everything to counter false claims and have evidence for escalation.
– Seek support outside the workplace, talking to friends or colleagues who can validate your experiences.
Source: https://parade.com/living/gaslighting-phrases-used-at-work-according-to-psychologist