Get advice on how to deal with jerks at work Check out the book 'Jerks At Work' and other titles by Ken Lloyd Ph.D. Return to the JerksAtWork.com homepage Learn more about Ken Lloyd, Ph.D. Submit a question to Ken Lloyd, Ph.D.
 

You asked, Ken answers ...

This item is filed under these categories:
Lies and Lying Stereotyping Fairness Feedback

My manager said that he fashions himself as a person who can tell if someone is lying. He says when people lie, they lose eye contact and fidget. I never thought much about his comments until he accused me of lying about starting a rumor. I had nothing to do with it. What should I do?



When people fashion themselves as experts in a given area, that often means their level of understanding is in the shallow end of the knowledge pool. The truth is that there is a growing body of scientific literature regarding behaviors linked to lying, and some serious researchers question the entire notion of a relationship between lying and becoming fidgety or looking away.

Either way, this is not a field for dilettantes and dabblers. Your manager would be well advised to devote some real attention to what it means to be an effective manager. He seems to be a little short when it comes to understanding the importance of treating employees with trust and respect.

If you believe that you have presented your strongest case to your manager, there is not much more to do right now. In fact, if you revisit the issue with him, he may think that you are doing so out of guilt. At the same time, you will want to be certain that there are no notes in your file or subsequent reprisals as a result of this matter. If you sense that you are now being bypassed for choice assignments or opportunities, you should bypass your manager and head to a topsider who would rather jump on problems than jump to conclusions.



Comment on this item

Your name (optional)
If you leave this blank, we'll list you as "Website visitor"


Your comments
Please keep your comments focused on the topic. Thanks!