Interview Anecdote - Psychological Tactics

When I was leading a team as a purchasing manager, there was actually a rather 'difficult' senior member. On the surface, she seemed very sociable and cooperative, but in reality, she was skilled at manipulating people behind the scenes. She must not have been happy about my promotion.

They call it a 'dark empath' in technical terms—someone who appears to be a 'good person' and empathetic, but is actually a controlling and dangerous individual skilled at manipulation.
At first, I was pushed around by her, and there were even times when staff members with less seniority than her were doing all the preparation for her project meetings, and I hadn't even noticed the situation.

However, I gradually began to learn the facts through one-on-one meetings with the staff.
Before long, even I couldn't say no to her skillful way of talking, and before I knew it, I was making her presentation materials...
Oh man, if things kept going like this, the team would fall apart!
For a moment, I almost raised my voice and had a head-on collision with her. But my inner voice said, 'No, no, that's exactly what she wants. It's a devilish trap to bring down a newly appointed manager like me.'
That's when I came up with what I call the 'Play-by-Play Method'.

Whenever she made an unreasonable demand again, I would provide a play-by-play in my mind.
'Ah, she's entered control mode now!'
'Yes, her own world is exploding now!'
I observe her as if I were a play-by-play announcer.

Surprisingly, this makes me feel objective and allows me to respond calmly. Thanks to this, I was able to switch from being the 'one being manipulated' to the 'one observing'.

Now, through that experience, I believe I have acquired the skill to interact with difficult types of people while maintaining psychological distance.
Of course, I won't be doing a play-by-play during the interview, so please rest assured (laughs).