Malicious Compliance 101

In a world of micro-managers, obnoxious customers, and aggressive homeowner associations, it can sometimes be a necessity to rebel.

There hits a point when management doesn't think things in advance and tries to apply rules that just won't work. Customers thinking that they are always right seem to forget that the employee they are shouting down knows nothing about their jobs.

Some HOA representatives forget that their place is to make the neighborhood a better place, not a harbinger of some dystopian fascist future.

There just hits a time when it's necessary to make a point by following the rules and instructions to the letter; this is called "malicious compliance."

While some environments just seem to nurture the mentality that allows the creativity needed for malicious compliance to take root and blossom, others just seem to figure it out on their own, usually inspired by hitting a wall created by frustration.

Veterans and high school nerds especially seem to be adept at using this to make a point, but this is hardly limited to them; anyone who has been pushed just a little too far is likely to be inspired to do a little malicious compliance. For those unsure of how to do it and get away with it, it's really not that hard.

Understand the Environment

Before you start your own reign of terror, make sure that you either have the support of the authorities or that the person you are going against will appreciate the lesson to be taught.

In some cases it can be dangerous to your career or mental stability to go up against authority, so only do this if there is no other choice. That is, understand that this is one of the tactics of last resort and that you could be facing termination or legal consequences if this doesn't work the way you expected it to.

This tactic will not work if it's all about petty revenge. You are trying to effect some sort of positive change, not make everyone's life around you a living hell, even if it's to frustrate a single individual to the point where they get the point.

Sure, there are subtler forms of malicious compliance that are all about petty revenge, such as putting files in the wrong place, but those merely poison the person doing so and don't really change the situation; if done right this will make a change.

Given that this is a tactic of last resort, make sure that the person you are doing this to is essentially a good person so that when they get the point they won't be too mad at you, that their immediate superiors trust your judgment, or that others will have your back.

However, remember that you are taking a gamble, so be absolutely sure you are willing to deal with the possible negative backlash if things go wrong.

Know Your Rules

If possible, before you put your plan into motion know all relevant rules. This especially applies if you're going up against a group like an HOA or a government agency.

While this will sometimes be a spur-of-the-moment thing, if you can do some research ahead of time do so, and with either an actual lawyer or someone who actually knows the rules.

That is, this may be a situation that has been ongoing for a long time and you've decided it's time to challenge the rules; make sure that the existing rules support you if you can. If someone throws a rule at you that you know doesn't exist, ask to see the documentation of that rule.

You would be surprised how many people quote rules that don't exist, but they get away with it because no one challenges them on it.

Before you do your act of rebellion, make sure that the evidence supports you. Document the situation as much as possible and ensure that there is a camera on you when you do it; at the very least, make sure there's an audio

recording of the situation. Most people have a phone; take pictures to prove your point and have it ready to record before you head into the mess.

Witnesses are good but can't be counted on; they may buckle if the right pressure is applied. Audio is good, but video is better, and the building's CCTV may not be working, so record yourself if possible.

"Are You Sure?"

When you finally do it, make sure that the person really wants to go forward as per their command. This is a matter of respect, sure, but it's also to give the person a chance to avoid the problem. Make sure that your side has been told and that it's more than just something you want to see done; in too many cases it's more a case of rebelling for the sake of rebelling rather than for affecting positive change.

Even if you don't have a chance to get out your point of view, at least go into it knowing you tried. You will be asked why you did it and if you warned the person before you did it; if you tried to explain first this strengthens your case when the situation is investigated.

Stick to the Letter of the Command

When you do it, remember to adhere to the strict letter of what was said. It eliminates the possibility of miscommunication and the lack of interpretation on your behalf also strengthens your case; you were just doing what you were told to do, after all.

You know it's ludicrous when you do it, but if you throw in any interpretation you're not giving their command the best possible chance to fall on its face.

By the same token, know when to back down. If it's patently illegal, will cause harm to people or property, or will do more than mildly inconvenience the other person then it may be a good idea to either stop doing it or get someone else involved first.

Breaking a rule to prove a rule wrong can get you in as much trouble if not more, and if someone or something is damaged or hurt by your actions then you could be facing some pretty stiff penalties.

So follow the command to its letter, but know when to back down.

Know The Limits

The bottom line is that malicious compliance works best if you have a solid reason for doing it and if you document what happens. Make sure that you have some sort of support but be prepared if things don't go the way you think they will.

Finally, be prepared to back down if something bad happens. If you keep that in mind, then you may be able to rebel and do so in such a way that affects positive change with all of the fun of rebelling against authority, making our act one that will be remembered in a good way.