Workplace Dynamics: Influence, Stress, and Burnout

Understanding Manipulation & Influence

What is Manipulation?

Manipulation is an indirect form of social influence where one person affects another, aiming to change their belief, attitude, emotion, or behavior.

Defining Power

Power is the capacity to affect or influence the behavior of others.

Types of Manipulators and Their Victims

The Dictator

The Dictator is the manipulator par excellence. They dominate, order, cite arguments from authority, and use any means to subjugate their victims.

The Submissive (or "Little Thing")

The Submissive knows very well how to behave with the dictator: they exaggerate their susceptibility, forget things, listen, and remain silent.

The Calculator

The Calculator aims to control everything. They lie, hide data, and distort information.

The Dependent (or "Ivy Man")

The Dependent manipulates through reliance. They claim to be born to obey, to be "second."

The Bully

The Bully defends their weakness with aggression and threats.

The Peacemaker (or "Beautiful Person")

The Peacemaker believes the only way to overcome the bully is to be kind and loving.

The Severe Judge

The Severe Judge is suspicious, perpetually accusing, and mercilessly critical. They believe everything bad is outside of them, are cruel, ridiculing, ironic, and joking.

The Apologist (or "Fulcrum")

The Apologist does not judge or blame anyone; they apologize and forgive. Classic manifestations of this type of manipulator include the "martyr," the "eternal helper," and "the one who suffers for the rest."

Management & Workplace Psychology

Core Functions of Management

• Planning: Defining what, when, how, and where.
• Organizing: Structuring resources and activities.
• Directing: Guiding and motivating staff.
• Coordinating: Harmonizing efforts.
• Controlling: Reviewing and analyzing results.

Mission of Organizational Leadership

The mission of leadership is the comprehensive management of the organization by creating a customer-centric culture and empowering its own staff.

Major Psychological Challenges in Management

Workplace Stress

Stress arises from discrepancies between environmental demands and an individual's resources and state.

Common Stressors include:

• Changes
• Performance pressure
• Anxiety
• Boredom
• Misery

Workplace Harassment (Mobbing)

Workplace harassment (or mobbing) involves a hostile attack, often by a group or coalition, against an individual. This can occur in various forms: upward, horizontal, or downward.

Phases of Workplace Harassment

1. Conflict or Critical Incident Phase

During this phase, the harasser may magnify incidents. Problems are not resolved through dialogue; instead, confrontation is often stigmatized and escalates into conflict.

2. Stigmatization Phase

The harasser designs and executes a plan of attack to ridicule and isolate the victim. The harassed person may deny the phenomenon, especially due to the passivity, denial, or avoidance of the problem by their peers. This phase can last from one to three years, and the environment often actively or passively favors the harasser.

Burnout Syndrome

Burnout Syndrome is characterized by three main symptoms:

• Emotional Exhaustion: Loss of energy and vitality, physical fatigue, and difficulties with concentration.
• Depersonalization: A negative attitude towards work beneficiaries, progressive emotional detachment, and irritability.
• Reduced Personal Accomplishment: Feelings of inadequacy and frustration, leading to the perception that achievements or expectations are impossible to meet.