Jerks at Work

Book summary

Tessa West is an Associate Professor of Psychology at New York University. She specializes in the subjects of interpersonal interaction and communication. In addition to publishing over 60 articles in academic psychology journals, she also writes about her research in the Wall Street Journal.

Toxic colleagues come in various forms, and while many can be managed with the right strategies, the gaslighter stands out as uniquely harmful. This individual uses psychological manipulation to distort your reality, often isolating you under the pretense of exclusivity or by undermining your self-worth to make you feel dependent on them. Once isolated, they exploit you, sometimes turning you into an unwitting accomplice in unethical behavior, as seen in Kunal’s experience with his manager Julie. To counteract a gaslighter, document every suspicious action to safeguard the truth and rebuild your workplace connections to escape isolation. Expanding your network to include a respected and influential ally can provide the support needed to address the situation, as gaslighters often hold significant power. While their behavior is difficult to confront alone, careful preparation and a strong network can help you regain control and navigate their toxicity effectively.

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