What every powerful woman must learn is that, while she stands in the light of her own success, an unseen adversary may lurk in the shadows—the covert manipulator. Adept in the art of deception, using confusion as a weapon, they target those who embody strength and grace with a unique form of aggression.

In our last article, we discussed steps you can take to uncover a bully culture before joining a firm. But, what happens if you find yourself undermined by a shadow you can't quite see? 

There is a lack of serious discussion about the covert manipulator. Understanding this archetype is indispensable. 

Have you ever left a meeting feeling more confused than when you entered? Covert manipulators don't announce their presence; instead, they sidle up with a smile. Their tactics are gaslighting, subtle underminings, or confusing contradictions—each meant to ensnare the unguarded.

Imagine gaslighting as a prime example: a sinister tactic where the manipulator sows seeds of doubt, leaving you questioning your reality. Originating from a play where a husband manipulates the gas lights to disorient his wife, this form of psychological warfare extends its reach into professional realms, aiming to dim the radiance of the unsuspecting.

But there are many other tactics beyond gaslighting. I refer to them in general as toxic entanglements—a dynamic where you find yourself devalued and manipulated to another’s advantage and your detriment. It's not merely office politics; it's a calculated attempt to erode your essence from within.

Consider these real-life scenarios reported by my clients:

A client was bewildered when her senior partner suggested hiring additional partners for tasks she was adept at (and desiring), leaving her feeling sidelined and devalued.

Another client was instructed to lower her rates under the guise of budget constraints, only to discover the client was willing to pay more.

In a more insidious case, the covert manipulator recounted all they had done for a colleague who left due to their toxicity, then twisted the narrative to their advantage in a broad-faced lie casting shadows of doubt and confusion. 

These instances exemplify the subtle yet impactful ways covert manipulation manifests, leaving a trail of confusion and self-doubt. 

Ultimately, navigating the path alongside a covert manipulator calls not for a battle but for a sacred inward journey. By understanding their tactics and fortifying your inner strength, you transform challenges into opportunities for growth. If you are dealing with a covert manipulator, reach out for support. For the powerful woman, the victory is not over the covert manipulator; it's a return to self — the greatest triumph of all.