{"id":11574,"date":"2023-11-29T11:35:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T10:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/?p=11574"},"modified":"2023-11-29T11:35:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T10:35:34","slug":"the-subtle-flames-of-gaslighting-in-business-recognising-and-extinguishing-manipulative-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/tips\/the-subtle-flames-of-gaslighting-in-business-recognising-and-extinguishing-manipulative-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"The Subtle Flames of Gaslighting in Business: Recognising and Extinguishing Manipulative Communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0abab5;color:#0abab5\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0abab5;color:#0abab5\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/tips\/the-subtle-flames-of-gaslighting-in-business-recognising-and-extinguishing-manipulative-communication\/#Ever_found_yourself_questioning_your_own_reality_at_work_due_to_a_comment_or_an_action_from_a_colleague_or_superior\" >Ever found yourself questioning your own reality at work due to a comment or an action from a colleague or superior?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/tips\/the-subtle-flames-of-gaslighting-in-business-recognising-and-extinguishing-manipulative-communication\/#Building_a_Learning_Culture_Where_do_we_start\" >Building a Learning Culture : Where do we start?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ever_found_yourself_questioning_your_own_reality_at_work_due_to_a_comment_or_an_action_from_a_colleague_or_superior\"><\/span>Ever found yourself questioning your own reality at work due to a comment or an action from a colleague or superior?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\"> That\u2019s gaslighting \u2013 a term you might have heard bandied about in recent years. Originating from the 1938 stage play &#8220;Gas Light,&#8221; where a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her sanity, gaslighting in the business sphere is equally insidious and often harder to pinpoint. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for maintaining not just a healthy workplace, but also your own mental well-being.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Written with love by<\/mark>:<strong> <\/strong>My Personal English Coach<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br>Gaslighting: A Spotlight on the Word of the Year 2022 by Merriam-Webster<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an illuminating turn of events, &#8216;Gaslighting&#8217; was declared the Word of the Year 2022 by Merriam-Webster, a testament to its pervasive impact in our collective consciousness.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This choice underscores not just the word&#8217;s increased usage, but also the growing awareness and recognition of the subtle, yet harmful, manipulative tactics it represents. In a business context, this recognition is particularly significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> It reflects a broader societal shift towards acknowledging and addressing psychological manipulation in the workplace. The acknowledgement by such an authoritative linguistic source amplifies the conversation around gaslighting, empowering professionals to identify and challenge these destructive behaviours. It\u2019s a crucial step towards fostering healthier, more transparent, and respectful communication in corporate environments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_a_Learning_Culture_Where_do_we_start\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/tips\/tutto-sulla-learning-culture-cose-la-vera-cultura-di-apprendimento-perche-e-importante-per-le-organizzazioni-e-come-si-fa-a-crearla\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Building a Learning Culture : Where do we start?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Understanding Gaslighting in a Business Context<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaslighting at work can be subtle\u2014a colleague taking credit for your ideas, or a boss who constantly changes their demands but denies doing so. Unlike simple miscommunication, gaslighting is a deliberate attempt to undermine someone&#8217;s perception of reality, creating a sense of doubt and confusion. It\u2019s psychological manipulation that can erode team dynamics and individual confidence over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/removing-communication-blocks-in-english-4-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/removing-communication-blocks-in-english-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/removing-communication-blocks-in-english-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/removing-communication-blocks-in-english-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/removing-communication-blocks-in-english-4-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/removing-communication-blocks-in-english-4.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unmasking the Gaslighter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, who is the gaslighter among us? It could be the manager who never admits when they&#8217;re wrong or the team member who backpedals on their words. Power plays a central role here. Gaslighting thrives in environments where there\u2019s an imbalance, allowing the gaslighter to assert dominance by rewriting the narrative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Real-World Examples of Gaslighting at Work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine you&#8217;re in a meeting and you voice an objection to a new policy. Later, your boss pulls you aside, suggesting you misremembered the previous policy&#8217;s terms\u2014despite the facts. Or perhaps you\u2019re blamed for miscommunicating a deadline that was never clearly set. These are the hallmarks of workplace gaslighting: denial, contradiction, and the persistent questioning of your competence and credibility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/emotions-and-language-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10928\" style=\"width:302px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/emotions-and-language-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/emotions-and-language-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/emotions-and-language-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/emotions-and-language-1536x1090.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/emotions-and-language.jpg 1748w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Communication Strategies to Identify Gaslighting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key to recognising gaslighting is to trust your own perceptions and to seek validation from trusted colleagues. Keep records of conversations and agreements. When you feel the ground shifting, these records can be your anchor to reality<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/cropped-digital-training-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11474\" style=\"width:330px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Building a Gaslight-Proof Communication Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creating a robust communication framework is paramount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encourage transparency and open dialogue. When policies and decisions are documented and shared, it leaves little room for the gaslighter to weave their narrative. Training sessions on communication can also equip team members with the skills to spot and address manipulative tactics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Responding to Gaslighting: Empowerment and Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confronting a gaslighter requires tact. It\u2019s not about retaliation but about standing firm in your truth. Approach HR or use established protocols to express your concerns. It&#8217;s about asserting your perspective with confidence and clarity, not about convincing the gaslighter to admit fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong> Healing and Moving Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-gaslighting, it\u2019s all about rebuilding trust. This may require mediation or even changes in team structure. Support from HR and coaching professionals can facilitate this healing process, helping individuals and teams to move forward with renewed strength and mutual respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaslighting is a serious issue that can undermine the very fabric of our professional lives. But with awareness, robust communication policies, and a supportive environment, we can extinguish these harmful flames. Let&#8217;s foster a culture where such psychological games are rendered powerless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color wp-element-button\" style=\"color:#0abab5\">Get in Touch with MPEC!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong> Have you ever experienced gaslighting? How did you handle it? Share your stories and let\u2019s discuss strategies that can empower us all. And remember, the most effective teams are those where every member feels heard, valued, and believed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>#FormazioneInglese #CompetenzeLinguistiche #SoftSkills #CompetenzeAziendali #ComunicazioneAziendale #GoalGetter #HabitHacker #UnleashYourPotential #engagenotteach #mpec #mypersonalenglishcoach<br>#BusinessCommunication #PrefixPerils #EnglishInBusiness #Miscommunication #LanguageLapses #CorporateComms #EffectiveCommunication #CommunicationFauxPas #WordWatch #LanguageMatters #CommunicationSkills #OfficeEtiquette #SpeakSmart #WordWisdom #PrefixPower #BusinessEnglish #MindYourLanguage #CorporateEnglish #LanguageInLeadership #VerbalVigilance #WordplayInWork #ProfessionalEnglish #EnglishForExecutives #BusinessBanter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gaslighting  is a deliberate attempt to undermine someone&#8217;s perception of reality, creating a sense of doubt and confusion. It\u2019s psychological manipulation that can erode team dynamics and individual confidence over time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11565,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_front_end_style_editor":"no","ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","osh_disable_topbar_sticky":"default","osh_disable_header_sticky":"default","osh_sticky_header_style":"default","osh_sticky_header_effect":"","osh_custom_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_retina_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_sticky_logo_height":0,"osh_background_color":"","osh_links_color":"","osh_links_hover_color":"","osh_links_active_color":"","osh_links_bg_color":"","osh_links_hover_bg_color":"","osh_links_active_bg_color":"","osh_menu_social_links_color":"","osh_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[91,74,93,75,92,76,21],"tags":[112,111,120,126,121,209,170,171,172],"class_list":["post-11574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advanced-reading-en","category-advanced-vocabulary-en","category-beginner-reading-en","category-beginner-vocabulary-en","category-intermediate-reading-en","category-intermediate-vocabulary-en","category-tips","tag-barrier","tag-communication","tag-emotional-en","tag-hr-en","tag-intelligence-en","tag-personal-development-en","tag-shame-en","tag-speaking-en","tag-vergogna-shame-en","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11574","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11574"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2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