Mammalian brain ยท Relational Manipulation

Emotional Sabotage

Provoking a visible emotional reaction in someone so that they appear unstable and their position loses standing; the substance is never engaged.

An everyday example

Needling a counterpart in front of their board until they snap, then citing the snap.

What it can cost you

Losing on composure rather than on merit; being baited into the reaction that discredits you.

Warning signs

  • They are pushing buttons, not points.
  • I am about to give them the reaction they want.

One thing to do

Expect provocation in high-stakes rooms; when you feel the heat rising, slow your speech and ask for a break rather than answering.

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