In The Workplace  ·  Psychological Safety

CIA Simple Sabotage Field Manual 

July 24, 2023

Ok, maybe this something *not* to try. This is the infamous CIA Simple Sabotage Field Manual from 1944, declassified (I believe) in 2008. It includes such gems as:

  • Talk as frequently as possible and at great length.
  • Bring up irrelevant issues as frequently as possible. 
  • Haggle over precise wordings of communications, minutes & resolutions.
  • Refer back to matters already decided upon.
  • Misunderstand orders. Ask endless questions or engage in long correspondence about such orders.
  • In making work assignments, always sign out the unimportant jobs first.
  • Insist on perfect work in relatively unimportant products.
  • Hold meetings when there is more critical work to be done.
  • Multiply the procedures and clearances involved in issuing instructions.
CIA sabotage manual

How many of these have you observed in your workplace? 


Tom Geraghty

Tom Geraghty, co-founder and delivery lead at Iterum Ltd, is an expert in high performing teams and psychological safety. Leveraging his unique background in ecological research and technology, Tom has held CIO/CTO roles in a range of sectors from tech startups to global finance firms. He holds a degree in Ecology, an MBA, and a Masters in Global Health. His mission is to make workplaces safer, higher performing, and more inclusive. Tom has shared his insights at major events such as The IT Leaders Summit, the NHS Senior Leadership Conference, and EHS Global Conferences. Connect with him on LinkedIn or email tom@psychsafety.com