Ever notice how bullies will always memorize these small personal details about a target and then when manipulating or gaslighting make sure to mention those facts?
E.g. Oh a new crisis "just came up". I need you to complete this big menial data entry task that I forgot about for a week right now (drop whatever you were working on before). Don't you want to make it to your daughter's concert tonight? Best get it done by EOD so you can be there for her. Next day: how's progress on that thing you were working on before?
It’s all about control, and intimacy as a route to control. A bully uses it to instill dread, a company uses it to influence behavior to make money, but the root is the same.
E.g. Oh a new crisis "just came up". I need you to complete this big menial data entry task that I forgot about for a week right now (drop whatever you were working on before). Don't you want to make it to your daughter's concert tonight? Best get it done by EOD so you can be there for her. Next day: how's progress on that thing you were working on before?