I am very tired of managers thinking they outsmart anyone with such tricks. I've heard other "tricks" too, like "intentional intimidation of subordinates", "being brutal in 1:1s and pretending to be a saint in public"[0], etc. They are often left unchallenged because no one feels equipped to handle the fallout, defensiveness, and retaliation that usually follow when a controlling personality is challenged. Not because they outsmart everyone.
The real "trick" is honesty, consistency, integrity, wisdom, and other golden virtues. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. At the very least, you'll live a life you can be proud of.
The real "trick" is honesty, consistency, integrity, wisdom, and other golden virtues. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. At the very least, you'll live a life you can be proud of.
[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18001634