Women in the Workplace III: Machiavellian Women at Work

In a prior article, I discussed Machiavellianism and how our current societal system reflects its beliefs and behaviors. Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by manipulativeness, a lack of morality, absence of empathy, and a strong focus on self-interest.

Machiavellians believe people are inherently naive and must be manipulated to maintain control and order in society. For them, the end always justifies the means. They will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, regardless of the consequences.

The alarming aspect of Machiavellianism is how prevalent these beliefs are in society. Many people not only align with these behaviors but are also taught that such manipulative strategies are the keys to success. This creates an environment where people participate in such actions without considering the moral implications. It is psychological manipulation at its worst.

Shared Traits with Narcissism

It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between Machiavellianism and narcissism. However, the differences often don't matter. Both types of individuals are manipulative, self-centered, and pose risks to others in covert ways. Neither is better or worse than the other.

Differences

One significant difference between narcissists and Machiavellians is how they present themselves. Machiavellians are single-minded in their pursuit of goals. They fully embrace the mentality that the end justifies the means, disregarding any collateral damage in the process. In the workplace, this can manifest as strong leadership or decisive action, as the fallout from their decisions is often hidden or framed in a way that minimizes responsibility for their actions.

Narcissists, on the other hand, require validation. They crave attention, praise, and reassurance that they are as exceptional as they believe. Their motivation often revolves around shaping others' perceptions to keep their constructed reality intact, even if that reality is fundamentally flawed.

Machiavellians, in contrast, do not seek approval. They prefer to operate behind the scenes, manipulating narcissists and others for their ends. Narcissists, with their fragile sense of self, become easy pawns in the Machiavellian game, making them key players in the manipulative strategies at play. Machiavellians often recruit individuals with low self-esteem or poor boundaries to help them achieve their aims.

Machiavellian Women in the Workplace

Machiavellian women excel at covert forms of abuse in professional environments. They are often emotionally disconnected, cold, and willing to go to great lengths to achieve their desires, whether that involves wanting to be the only successful woman in her field or demanding validation for her misguided beliefs.

These women feel threatened by authenticity and accountability. They have learned to navigate personal and professional relationships through exploitation and manipulation, leading them to feel consistently insecure.

Machiavellian individuals often feel the need to outpace others, believing that they must "be first" to avoid being victimized. Rather than investing in their personal and professional development, they often choose to undermine others.

They might present themselves as model citizens, conforming to societal standards of behavior. This facade makes it easy for them to gain the trust of unsuspecting individuals, who are drawn to the carefully constructed image.

Your manager or coworker may show Machiavellian traits if:

• She frequently exhibits passive-aggressive behavior to create confusion and maintain control.

• She targets colleagues who appear more competent, engaging in manipulation to enhance her own image.

• She prioritizes office politics over actual business results, demonstrating a desire for power rather than effectiveness.

• She uses emotional manipulation to achieve her ends.

• She champions an extreme form of feminism that focuses solely on displacing men rather than seeking equality.

• She rationalizes unethical behavior, claiming it is justified for long-term benefits.

• She derives pleasure from others' misfortunes, particularly when the victims don't provide any advantage to her.

• She views the ability to manipulate others as a sign of intelligence, considering those who don't engage in similar tactics to be naive or foolish.

• She pursues relationships with influential men within the company for personal gain.

• She reads your LinkedIn posts and articles without engaging—indicative of a lurking presence.

  
  

These actions highlight her intent to control and observe those she feels threatened by, harnessing power through knowledge. This behavior is prevalent more often than we can imagine.

What You Can Do

Awareness is the first step. Recognize that these individuals often look like the trustworthy figures you have been taught to respect. They frequently mask their true intent with a charming facade. It's essential to remember that every interaction can be a tactic to manipulate or control.

One effective approach is to disengage from their schemes. Their power relies on your participation. By reacting to their manipulation or showing fear, you inadvertently boost their sense of control. Understanding the dynamics at play is crucial.

If you find yourself working with such individuals, maintain your focus on the truth, even when they gaslight or threaten you. Remind yourself that their actions are merely part of a performance. Stick to factual topics in your work-related interactions to minimize their ammunition against you. The gray rock technique is effective for dealing with both Machiavellians and narcissists.

Understandably, this advice can be difficult to apply, especially if you feel vulnerable. If your safety or job is at risk, prioritize your immediate well-being. However, recognize the situation for what it is, and strive to maintain your emotional and mental health. Machiavellian women can be ruthless, so your self-protection should come first. In future articles, we will explore more techniques for navigating these challenging interactions.

Many people believe that the principles underlying Machiavellianism contain both good and bad elements. Yet, given that the negative consequences often overshadow the positives, one must ask: Is it worth it?

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