6 Signs of a Manipulative Manager

4. Your manager tells you what other seniors in the organization like or don’t like

When your manager keeps telling you about the likes and dislikes of other seniors in the company, it can be taken as a sign that he is manipulative and does not want you to get ahead in the rat race. His intention behind brainwashing you about other seniors could be that he wants you to deliberately goof up in front of them.

5. Your manager treats you to unnecessary favors

Is your manager ready to give you two days off instead of a day’s leave that you asked for? Has your manager promised to write you a glorious recommendation? Has he spoken well of you to a client without any real reason? If your manager has been giving you undue favors lately, take it as a sign of being manipulated. One day or another, this may come and bite you in the back and you may have to return these favors to your manager.

6. Your manager gives you incomplete information to mislead you

A manipulative manager may act as if he is arming you with all the required information, but the truth is that he is leaving out a critical piece so that you find yourself in an embarrassing situation later on. For example, your manager could pass on the client’s brief to you without telling you that it is urgent. This could catch you unawares and put you in a tight spot later on.