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Discussion on: Have you ever had to take an ethical stand while on the job as a developer?

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v6 profile image
🦄N B🛡 • Edited

This is unfortunate to hear. I've worked for non-profits before, and often the ones that do the most don't end up with the most funding. And many of the Christians I know will give others the benefit of the doubt not only as a matter of tact, but as part of a religious inclination, too.

It's interesting that you characterized his words as "deceptions," rather than outright lies. This is "paltering."

In the world of business and negotiation, paltering is a means of using ‘technically true’ information to get a better deal.
--Tracy Schorn

Seems like you ran into what Dr. Simon would call a "manipulative person."

From what you posted here, this asshole went through two of the three basic affects of manipulation by manipulative people:

  • Rage

...he was enraged that I'd proposed something without getting his permission first (although he'd refused to take my or the director's calls).

literally threw a kicking-and-screaming-tantrum during the board meeting

  • Self Pity

he played the "I feel so dishonored" card (it was a Christian organization)

  • Charm

Did you notice, at any phase, this developer "turning on the charm" at some point?

For you and for anyone who would like to recognize, and hope to avoid, a tale like the above, I recommend the following book Dr. Simon:

amazon.com/In-Sheeps-Clothing-Unde...

...clients I was now certain he was taking advantage of.

By the way, did you ever reach out to those clients?

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codemouse92 profile image
Jason C. McDonald

I was not allowed to reach out to the clients because my employment contract had a few clauses.

As to the psychological assessment...oh, yes, I identified him as a manipulator just prior to that meeting, and a possible borderline sociopath, at the time. (I've got a communication background with a strong psych interest). Unfortunately for him, I not only have a radar for manipulators, but a looooong history of dismantling their machinations.

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v6 profile image
🦄N B🛡

Keep dismantling, please. Things that might be obvious to the experienced, like yourself, can blindside those of us, ahem, who are not so savvy.