I connected with someone online who I thought was real but he created a fake persona. Once I used my investigative skills on him and uncovered his secret, he promptly exited stage left. Good riddance, I say, what a waste of my time and my trust!
The term, made popular by the 2010 documentary Catfish, is usually associated with online dating, but in this context I am applying it to people in the workplace or boardroom; people who put on a mask to be accepted for a role, but then when they are expected to perform, they cannot fulfil that role.
There are many reasons why people are fake in recruitment processes, or once they have a role. They may be insecure and looking for validation, excitement or acceptance. But instead of being open about who they are and their capabilities, they talk themselves up.
They may also not be self-aware, suffering from the Dunning Kruger effect (refer to my column on this topic published on 30 January 2023 for more discussion).
In these cases, the unsuspecting people they deceive usually end up feeling a sense of betrayal, disappointment or annoyance at having been robbed of countless hours investing in time into them. It is hard to trust a person once you have been catfished by them.
It is also difficult to let someone go after they have been employed or appointed into a role. Many who have been catfished in the dating world have been subjected to serious financial scams. This can also happen in an organisation when fraud is committed.
That is why it is important to use a professional recruiter, as they will be your matchmaker and can stop you from making a doomed choice. Also, do your homework to find the right recruiter for your organisation.
For example, Platinum Recruitment will help you find executive management roles and Purposeful Work specialise in not-for-profit placements.
Catfishing can also happen in organisations when there are claims of bullying being made. This can come from both perspectives. Sometimes a bully will wear a mask of being nice when the boss is around, and take that mask off when the boss is away.
Other times, the complainant may be acting like a drama queen (or king) and living out the role of victim.
In either case, it is important to use an independent investigator to uncover the reality of the situation. There is a legal threshold of what amounts to bullying and an investigator can find facts and be objective.
Before you decide to undertake an investigation, it is useful to talk to a professional to assess what other options you have. Often catfish can be seen and understood by those who are not caught up in the relationship with one.
When we feel let down or lack trust after being catfished, we can act in haste and not make the best decisions. Especially for employers, it is important to be generous in understanding the underlying drivers behind why a catfish in their team is putting on an act.
Perhaps they need professional development to give them better technical skills to meet the needs of their role or to help them develop broader communication skills?
Perhaps a facilitation between the people involved in a safe and confidential environment would get them to be open? Perhaps they need private counselling? Investigations do have their place but they can be expensive, time consuming and can often lead to trust needing to be built across a whole group of people.
I checked in with a learned friend first to get an independent perspective, who confirmed my suspicions. Then I used my skills as a workplace investigator to uncover the truth behind my catfish. For once, mixing business and pleasure paid off!
- Kate Keddell is director of Balance Consultancy Ltd
