Living with Paranoia

Kraeplin first coined the term “paranoia” and described it as systematized delusions lacking of global deterioration. People with pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent are more likely to develop this disorder, and it is the basis for criteria used to identify personality type. The following points are related to paranoia:

a.      Suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them;

b.     Is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends and associates;

c.      Is reluctant to confide with others because of unwanted fear that the information will be used maliciously against them;

d.     Reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events;

e.      Persistently bears grudge that is, is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights;

f.      Perceives attacks on his character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to react angrily or to counterattack; and

g.     Have recurrent suspicions, without justifications, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner.

4 SIGNS YOU ARE TOO PARANOID

YOU HOARD INFORMATION

“Paranoid people believe that keeping information to themselves given them an advantage,” says Marie McIntyre, PhD. Author of Secrets to Winning at Office Politics. “This backfires when coworkers stop sharing their good ideas.”

Get over it: Think strategically, says McIntire. Who is the best qualified to help solve your problem? Who can help you exploit what you know, the mutual advantage?

YOU MISTRUST SUBORDINATES

“If you are involved with every detail because you are afraid your direct reports or co-workers will mess it up, you have a problem,” says Michael Leiter, PhD, author of Banishing Burnout.

Get over it: Entrust your people with something you don’t care about, then build from there, Leiter suggests. Your newly empowered employees are likely to do a better job than you would have.

YOUR “CC” LINE IS NEVER EMPTY

“Paranoid employees want to make sure everyone knows when they have a good idea,” says McIntyre. “So they copy the whole company on e-mails.”

Get over it: Mass e-mails generate mass annoyance, especially when they are designed to stroke one’s own ego. “E-mail only the appropriate people,” says McIntyre. “And focus on how your accomplishment helps them.”

YOU LUNCH ALONE

Isolation is not a good means of protection, says Leiter, because the higher you rise, the more big shots have to sign off on your next move. Who you don’t know will hold you back.

Get over it: “Work creates a one-dimensional perception of others,” says Leiter. “If you get to know your colleagues outside the cube farm, you will realize they are not all plotting against you.