Good cop/bad cop

Workplace example:

One of the directors was trying to schedule a meeting with those of us in the Media Group who were involved with the upcoming Annual Report.

The director, for the past 2 weeks, sent out an invitation for 10am Thursday. EXACTLY the time of our only weekly Media Group meeting.

Each time, I declined the meeting from the director, responding: "This time is the weekly meeting of the Media Group. I can never make this meeting time. Any other time available?"

And, simultaneously, the boss of my Media Group was responding: "Sure. Perfect time."

Sheep/non-sheep.