the manipulation or the problem?
I find the attempts at manipulation more insulting and troubling than the problem.
The problem one here doesn't realize the gravity of his problems or how sleezy he comes off when trying to manipulate you. Judging by his accounts of his job interviews alone I these those HRs can smell the stink on his crap. He loves to attempt to shame you-in his professional athlete want-to-be sports persona he thinks he is motivating you if he screams, yells or berates. He tries to micro manage, he knows it all, you should do it this way blah, blah, blah...
Most of his requests are NOT worthy or logical to begin with so most attempts go no where.