WOLF in sheep's clothing

While the treatment I received is common for every employee in the company, I hope that other individuals in other companies do not share in the same experiences and emotions. But what if you do or think you do? If you even question it, there are some characteristics of deceitful and manipulative people that can help you identify if you may be in a challenging environment.

The Character Description:

1. Its a roller coaster ride: My therapist related it to an abusive relationship. For example, one day you could do something great and be praised and feel like you are on top of the world or a pedestal while everyone else is cheering you on from below. Then, the next moment (whether you did something wrong or someone else did) you can be scum crawling on the floor. When you are down you want to leave so desperately, but then when you are up you feel guilty for even thinking about leaving. They will butter you up and then strip you of everything you have! 

2. And the verdict is: Guilty: The say things or act certain ways to get you to do things you may not be comfortable with. They may even go so far as to wave your job above your head. They may say something like, "You just do what you think is right!" while using a threatening voice that implying that you can do what you think is right, but it will have negative consequences with your position here. Or something like "I don't understand why people here want to fly commercial planes, instead of my private plane (while the private plane is an experimental aircraft and the people have a fear of heights).

3. Pick on someone your own size: Manipulative people can be bullies. They can cut you down and rip you apart. Bullying doesn't have to be physical (that would be physical abuse) but bullying can be so much more. I think it is a term that is not given enough definition. I believe mental and emotional abuse is more appropriate. They may call you names, imply that you carry certain negative traits or characteristics.

4. The energizer bunny: A manipulative person keeps going and going and going and going! They will shoot you with one bullet (figurative) and continue to shoot you; only, you don't have time to heal from one before the next one hits. They may overload you because they know at some point they will break. They will give you busy work to impede your progress and they will use the persistent method with the other characteristics above.

6. Liar Liar pants on FIRE: Manipulators lie. A lie is not always a complete fabrication of facts or events. Very often it can be putting a spin on the truth or facts, leaving pieces out, or not having any recollection or something completely. They may give you complete lip service: saying one thing and doing another. For example, "We are interviewing people to replace the Vice President position who can lead and manage the architectural team" - but then the new hire ends up sitting across from you in a cubicle and drawing in autoCAD!

7. Logic: they often do not follow logic and can be very irrational. They may not be able to back their claims or stand with solid facts. They use one extreme or another but are never on a level playing ground.

8. The Hitler stash: The person can be very controlling! EXCESSIVE such as you must copy the person on every single e-mail that you ever send or before making any phone calls to any clients. This can make you feel incompetent when you know you are perfectly capable. They must know what is going on at all times and have their hand in everything. They micromanage. Beware if you try to take control back, or do not comply with their many "protocols" that are in place to maintain control. 

I recently discovered a book which I plan on reading and relating to my experience through my blog: http://www.rickross.com/reference/brainwashing/brainwashing11.html

So, if you do not have the option to "get out" what are your methods of dealing with these types of people?