Being scapegoated and forced out by a manager you've helped succeed is one of the most frustrating and demoralizing experiences in the professional world. You gave your all, and did the heavy lifting behind the scenes, only for them to throw you under the bus to protect themselves. To make matters worse, the manager has the audacity to act like they did you a favor by writing some cursory recommendations.
In these situations, it's natural to feel angry, betrayed, and lashing out. However, retaliating or burning bridges rarely serves you in the long run. The high road, though difficult, is maintaining professionalism and grace. Here's how:
Don't Stoop to Their Level When Scapegoated
As tempting as it may be to publicly call them out or vent angrily, resist this urge. Responding emotionally or retaliating gives them ammunition to paint you as the problem. Kill them with kindness and keep interactions measured, polite and high-road.
Stick to the Facts
If you must provide your side of the story, stick to just the provable facts around your work performance and contributions. Don't speculate on the manager's motives or make accusations you can't back up. The high ground and truth are the strongest weapons.
Don't Badmouth
As satisfying as it might feel to badmouth this manager to colleagues and contacts, it rarely makes you look good. Maintain discretion and avoid any negativity that could make you look bitter or unprofessional.
Don't Burn Bridges
As wronged as you feel, avoid burning bridges completely at the company, as you never know when past colleagues or companies may re-enter your life down the road. Be the bigger person and stay professional.
Focus on the Next Opportunity
The best revenge is moving on and finding great new opportunities where you're valued. Pour your energy into an energetic job search and let your success be the biggest repudiation of this manager's behavior.
Find Perspective
Ultimately, this manager's betrayal likely says more about them than you. Don't let it shake your confidence or define your self-worth as a professional. Maintain perspective - their poor behavior is not a reflection of your skills and value.
That's it!
The high road isn't easy, but it preserves your reputation and dignity in an undignified situation. When managers scapegoat and deflect blame, maintaining grace under fire is the best policy. It allows you to walk away with your integrity intact and increases the odds that the truth will eventually catch up to those who wronged you.