I realized that those same techniques were being used by my bosses on me.

I think it's often true that when person X recommends you to use some manipulation technique on others, the person X is using the same technique on you. This is a good reason to avoid cooperation with dishonest people, even if you have no ethical concerns. Also known as: "There is no honor among thieves".

(The implication does not work the other way; people usually use manipulation techniques without being explicit about them.)