Narcissist Behavior Q&A
📋 They change the instructions, then call it my mistake
When shifting instructions become "you misheard," don't get pulled into a draining memory contest built on verbal-only communication.
The short answer
When and how the instructions changed can be established from the record.
Scenes like this
- Yesterday's assignment became, today, something they never asked for.
- You followed the verbal instruction — and when it went badly, you'd "acted on your own."
How to tell the difference
Was it a change the work required — or does the earlier instruction itself get denied once trouble appears?
When this happens, try this
- Every time an instruction changes, leave a confirmation by email or chat: "Per your verbal instruction, I'll proceed with approach B."
- If you're at risk of discipline or penalties for a mistake that wasn't yours, submit your evidence through the internal reporting process or with an employment attorney's counsel.