Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that is used to make someone question their own perception of reality. This tactic can be particularly devastating in the workplace, where employees rely on their bosses for guidance, support, and professional development. If your boss is engaging in gaslighting, it can make you feel like you are going crazy and cause you to doubt your abilities, judgment, and worth as an employee.

If you’ve ever watched the 1944 film “Gaslight,” or heard of the term “gaslighting,” you know how devastating it can be to be manipulated into questioning your own perceptions of reality. Unfortunately, this type of psychological abuse is not limited to Hollywood movies. In the workplace, gaslighting can occur when a boss denies facts, makes unreasonable demands, and blames others in order to assert their power and control over others.

Gaslighting can leave employees feeling confused, disoriented, and second-guessing themselves. This is because the manipulative tactics used in gaslighting create an alternate reality where the victim is made to feel that their perceptions and memories are wrong, while the abuser is portrayed as always right and in control. In the film “Gaslight,” the protagonist is told by her husband that she is losing her mind, and is made to believe that she is forgetful and unreliable. In a similar vein, gaslighting bosses can create a work environment where employees feel like they can never do anything right, and that their perceptions and memories are flawed.

Spotting a Gaslighter at Work

If your boss frequently denies facts, makes unreasonable demands, and shifts responsibility for mistakes, these could be signs of gaslighting. Additionally, if your boss creates an alternate reality where they are always right and you are always wrong, this is another red flag.

It’s important to pay attention to your gut instincts and to trust your own perceptions and memories. If you feel like your boss is engaging in gaslighting, don’t dismiss your feelings. Instead, take steps to protect your well-being and professional success. This may include keeping records of events, building a network of supportive colleagues, and seeking support from HR or other resources.

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