Finding ways to deal with manipulative people

What is manipulation?

“To control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage.”

Have you been manipulated?Dignity and respect Doubt and censure Thank you for your

opinion. What do you think

about this situation? I appreciate your

efforts. I’d like to ask for your

input.

You call that working hard?

I can’t believe you are that sensitive!

What’s wrong with you?

Why do people manipulate? Boredom Sociopathic personalities Insecurities Power Control events in their own lives

How can you avoid being manipulated? Trust your instincts. Talk situations over with friends. Watch out for body language. Educate yourself. Start “NIPPING” back.

How do I feel when __________ happens?

NIP Back-N for NOTICE

N: Stands for NOTICE How does this person react around you?

Passive aggressive Rude Overly friendly Gossips

Reflect on how this behavior makes you feel.

NIP Back

“I” stands for Investigate and Instincts Start documenting your hunches

Record dates, conversations, reactions, scenarios.

Ask yourself if anyone around you sees these same things.

Look and evaluate the person’s motives. Only confront the person with another

person present.

NIP Back

“P” stands for Probe and Push Back Probe about their motives.

Questions to ask: “Are you trying to imply that I’m ________? “Why would you ask me that?”

Push back against their power plays. “Tell me why you would say that.” “I feel _______when you say _________.”

Your choices

Do nothing. Ignore the problem. Be your own advocate. Read about psychology. Be good to yourself. What will you do to avoid being

manipulated?