Manipulators at Work: Dealing with Narcissistic, Toxic, and Emotionally Abusive Colleagues

Overview:

Manipulative behaviour in the workplace can be difficult to recognize and even harder to address. Whether it appears as narcissism, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, blame-shifting, or subtle power plays, these behaviours can undermine trust, create psychological strain, and negatively impact team performance. Left unchecked, they often leave employees questioning themselves while damaging morale, confidence, and workplace relationships.

This program provides practical strategies for recognizing and responding to manipulative behaviour using the POWERSHIFT™ Model. Participants will learn how to identify common manipulation tactics, understand the motivations behind these behaviours, establish healthy boundaries, communicate more effectively, and protect both their well-being and the health of their team.

The transformation? Participants gain the confidence, awareness, and practical tools to navigate manipulative personalities, maintain professional boundaries, strengthen psychological safety, and prevent toxic behaviours from undermining trust, performance, and workplace culture.

Why you should Attend:

• Recognize manipulative behaviours before they undermine team performance
• Learn how to respond effectively to narcissistic and emotionally abusive behaviours
• Protect psychological safety and employee well-being
• Strengthen personal confidence and professional boundaries
• Reduce the impact of manipulation on workplace culture and morale

Areas Covered in the Session:

• Common manipulation tactics used in workplace settings
• Recognizing narcissistic, controlling, and emotionally abusive behaviours
• The POWERSHIFT™ Model
• Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
• Communication strategies for responding to manipulative individuals

Who Will Benefit:

• Human Resource Professionals
• New and Emerging Leaders
• Supervisors and Team Leads
• Managers and Directors
• Senior Leaders and Executives
• Anyone who works with difficult, manipulative, or high-conflict individuals