Ah, politics!

How to spot a screw-job:

1) Some people will esconse themselves in a meeting. Although the topic of the meeting is one of interest to you, and although by right you should be there, you are pointedly not invited.

2) "I have asked {someone else} to {do what you were doing}"

3) This last will be paired with extravagant compliments, "because I need you to {do something else}"

The first time this happened, I was really angry about it for a long time. My opinion of those involved remains irrevocably lowered as a consequence. It would appear that I have since attained Enlightenment, since this time I'm not overly concerned.