Examining Sabotaging Careers Through Manipulative Tactics

by Denise N. Fyffe

In the world of corporate intrigue, some individuals may resort to cunning tactics to harass and sabotage their colleagues’ careers. In this article, we delve into a disturbing scenario where an individual uses manipulation and abuse of power to set a coworker up for failure, tarnishing their reputation and professional future.

Workplace Scenario

Meet Sarah Johnson (fictitious name), a corporate lawyer with four decades of experience and two decades as an HR director. Sarah, who holds considerable authority in her organization, seeks to undermine her colleague, Alex Martin (fictitious name), by gerrymandering his role and setting him up to fail. Sarah’s elaborate plan includes the following sinister tactics:

Setting Unattainable Goals

Sarah manipulates Alex’s role by assigning him unrealistic and lofty goals that are designed to be unachievable. By doing so, she sets the stage for his failure.

Deliberate Sabotage

Once Sarah sets Alex loose with these unattainable goals, she watches him exhaust himself in an attempt to meet them. She anticipates that he will inevitably fall short, leading to negative consequences for the organization and its customers.

Creating a Scapegoat

Sarah intends to use Alex as a scapegoat for any mishaps that may occur due to the unattainable goals she set for him. This allows her to shift blame away from herself and avoid accountability.

Undermining Performance Reviews

To further tarnish Alex’s reputation, Sarah plans to manipulate his performance reviews. She intends to raise doubts about his abilities and interpersonal skills, which can have long-lasting repercussions on his career.

Performance Improvement Plan

As a final blow, Sarah plans to saddle Alex with a performance improvement plan (PIP), which essentially tracks his every move under the guise of progress. This tactic aims to further demean and demoralize him. Such calculated and malicious behavior not only undermines the well-being of the targeted individual but also erodes the ethical fabric of the organization. This type of covert workplace harassment is not only unethical but also illegal under US employment laws.

Legal and HR Guidance

The tactics employed by Sarah in this scenario are a clear violation of workplace harassment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal and state regulations. Employers must promote an environment free from harassment and retaliation. Employees who face such harassment should document each incident and report it through the proper channels within the organization. Companies must conduct unbiased investigations and take swift action against the harasser to protect the targeted employee and uphold a culture of respect and fairness.

Conclusion

The disturbing scenario described above brings to light the dangerous consequences of workplace harassment fueled by manipulation and power dynamics. Employers must adopt stringent policies and practices to prevent and address workplace harassment promptly. Only through a commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment can organizations ensure the well-being and success of their employees, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.    

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 books, for more than ten years, and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a trainer, publisher, author, and writing mentor; helping others to achieve their dreams.

Check out her book Understanding the Human Element In Understanding the Human Element: How Social Psychology Shapes Criminal Justice, readers will be taken on a journey exploring the relationship between social psychology and criminal justice. This book is for anyone who wants to better understand the factors that contribute to criminal behavior and the ways in which the criminal justice system can address these issues. Available at all online book retailers and Amazon.com