How Narcissism is Shaping Our Workplaces, Politics, and Lives Ever met someone who feeds off admiration, but feels nothing for anyone else? Someone who can ruin lives and still play the victim? Have you ever worked with someone who seemed magnetic — confident, charming, persuasive — until you saw what lay beneath? The…
When the Workplace Becomes a Warzone What happens when manipulation becomes a management style? When truth-telling is punished, and chaos is the language of control? In this week’s episode of The Gaslit Brain, we share a real story from a listener who endured severe psychological abuse and gaslighting in her workplace, a…
Unlike most people, when I hear the phrase “mindful leadership,” I simultaneously think “brainful leadership.” Yes, I know “brainful” is not a word. For us then, in this article and moving forward, it’s a neologism. A new word. It matters because the focus is on science and science in the 21st century will assure you…
What we need to teach kids about the psychology of bullying. Children’s schools are inspected and regularly checked by professionals to ensure safety from the harm of fire. Not only are the building and facilities, with specific attention to risks like electrical wiring, assessed by firefighters, but the whole school from the principal to the youngest student…
A ‘perfectly lovely’ psychopath? Thing is that few psychopaths fit the ominous Hollywood stereotype. It’s all too easy to be targeted by an arch-manipulator, whose real aim in life is to control you. Clients and friends tell me how a psychopath is exciting to be with. Attentive, lovely, kind, thoughtful, funny; a charming and interesting…
I am often asked about the difference between demanding and demeaning conduct. The first aims to raise expectations and enhance performance for all. The second is humiliating and degrading. There’s zero comparison between them, but those who demean like to say it’s actually to “motivate.” Don’t fall for that lie. Part of why I am an…
Speaking up is dangerous. Speaking up is dangerous and that is why most people don’t do it. What’s fascinating is that research shows the majority believes that they would be whistleblowers when in fact they wouldn’t. Psychologist Piero Bocchiaro at the University of Palermo did a study in 2012 to explore the act of being a whistleblower.…
I spoke to a friend of mine about my podcast and what we are prepared to tolerate and accept in some workplaces. It is truly unbelievable, even when we are told it will cause brain injury? The reply was “I don’t have personal experience of bullying so the concept of tolerating physical harm or experiencing…