I have read since childhood: The best defense is a good offense.
With age and experience, I have modified this: The best defense avoidance.
Some situations in life are best left and avoided.
Your friend is backbiting, fight or completely avoid him/her.
Your landlord is greedy, avoid getting mad at him. Change your house.
Your founder is lying to you, paying himself more while you are working for peanuts. What can you do, avoid and get another job?