How to Manage an Employee Who Is a Pathological Liar

When you manage a pathological liar, getting them to take responsibility for their actions can be challenging. Dealing with dishonesty in the workplace is never easy, but it can feel impossible when your employee is a liar. These employees will do everything they can to redirect issues and avoid taking responsibility. They may even create lies to try and cover up their tracks. If you have an employee that lies, it’s crucial to deal with them swiftly and effectively. This blog post will discuss ways to manage a pathological liar and some specific actions you can take.

What is pathological lying?

Pathological lying is a mental condition in which a person tells lies compulsively. This condition is distinct from lying in the normal course of life, which everyone does occasionally. Pathological liars compulsively tell lies even when there is no apparent benefit to doing so. Additionally, they may tell outrageous lies or habitually lie about small, everyday matters.

What are the dangers of pathological lying employees?

Managing an employee who is a pathological liar can be very dangerous for your company. This type of employee can cause much damage by lying to customers, co-workers, and superiors. They may even lie about company information or financial data. All of this can lead to mistrust and chaos in the workplace. Additionally, pathological liars can be very disruptive and challenging to manage. They often create conflict with other employees and cause morale to plummet.

What are the signs that an employee may be a pathological liar?

Some common signs that an employee may be a pathological liar include:

1. They make up elaborate stories to cover up their mistakes.
2. They have difficulty staying focused and often change the subject.
3. They are very defensive and often attack others when questioned.
4. They have a hard time maintaining eye contact.
5. They are always ready with an excuse, even if it doesn’t make sense.
6. Their stories always have a dramatic twist or leave out essential details.
7. They are compelling and manage to fool others easily.
8. They have a history of lying, even if it’s not work-related.
9. They exhibit other signs of deception, such as sweating, fidgeting, or stammering.
10. Their personal lives are messy, and they have many problems with trust and intimacy.

How to Manage a Pathological Liar in the Workplace

When managing a pathological liar in the workplace, it is crucial to remember that this individual will likely have a history of lying and redirecting issues. As a manager, it is vital to be aware of these behaviors and take swift action when they occur.

Here are a few tips for managing a pathological liar in the workplace:

1. Don’t lose your temper. When managing a pathological liar, it is crucial to stay calm. Losing your temper will only make the situation worse. If the employee senses you are angry, they may become defensive and continue to lie.
2. Anticipate denial. When managing a pathological liar, it is crucial to be prepared for denial. Most liars will try to deny their lies when confronted. They may even become defensive and try to blame others for their dishonesty. Therefore, it is essential to remain calm and collected and continue to present your evidence against the liar.
3. Remember, it isn’t about you. When managing a pathological liar, it is essential to remember that it isn’t about you. The liar is likely trying to deflect attention away from their issues. Remain calm and collected, and continue to present your evidence against the liar. If the liar becomes defensive, don’t lose your temper.
4. Address the issue head-on. Don’t ignore the issue if you suspect an employee is lying. Instead, talk to the employee directly and ask them if they have been telling the truth.
5. Document the situations as soon as they occur. It’s essential to document the situations as they occur, so you have a record of the lies and can take appropriate disciplinary action. This will help to protect you and your company from the adverse effects of lying in the workplace.
6. Decide what disciplinary action to take. This will likely depend on the severity of the lie and the employee’s past disciplinary record. In some cases, you may decide to terminate the employee’s employment.
7. Protect yourself and your company. Make sure you have policies protecting your company from dishonest employees. This includes policies on workplace ethics and honesty.

Dealing with liars in the workplace is not easy. But by taking the steps above, you can protect yourself and your company from the damage they can cause. By following the tips above, you can manage an employee who is a pathological liar and protect yourself and your company from potential damage.