The Norwegian term ‘hersketeknikker’ could be translated to suppression techniques. The term refer to a type of behavior that, either consciously or unconsciously, undermines others and makes people feel stupid.

It is typical for hersketeknikker that one is unable to react in the moment. When we are exposed to hersketeknikker, we become insecure, and often do not fully understand what is happening. The stupid feeling creeps in afterwards.

Everyone – regardless of gender, position and relationship – can subject others to hersketeknikker.

And everyone can experience being subjected to it.

Hersketeknikker can affect anyone, but power is an important key word. The tecniques become more effective when someone in power exercises them.

For example, if a colleague subjects you to hersketeknikker, it can be hurtful and serious. If a boss subjects you to hersketeknikker, the techniques will be even more effective, and it will often be perceived as even worse and more serious. What the boss says will also have consequences for your work and for your career.

Uneven power relations make hersketeknikker particularly effective.

​​Power comes in many different forms: by virtue of job title, by virtue of social networks, by virtue of success or by virtue of charisma. Being part of the majority gives a form of power and privileges, and as a minority one can be more exposed to either conscious or unconscious hersketeknikker.