Accountability in the Post-Truth Workplace Part 2

The Deflection Playbook (and How to Handle It)

If you read Part 1 of this series, we covered the trap of burden-shifting. That happens when a struggling leader tries to hand their job back to you by acting like they need step-by-step instructions. We talked about how to hold the line, refuse the bait, and leave the responsibility where it belongs: on the exempt employee.

But what happens next?

When the facts get uncomfortable, employees rarely apologize. Instead, they deflect. The people who do this are not bad people or workplace villains. Usually, they are just people who have learned how to manipulate conversations and situations to get what they want and protect themselves.

While we are focusing on the workplace, these are human behaviors. The boundaries you practice here will serve you just as well in the world outside the office.

When people feel cornered, they will often fall back on learned tactics to change the subject, put you on the defensive, and avoid taking responsibility.

Here is how to spot the three most common defensive moves, along with clear scripts to help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters.