How to Not Be Intimidated at Work

Stand up to intimidating behavior at work.

Even if you are usually confident and have a firm grounding in your ability to do your job, you can be pushed into self-doubt by a belligerent or aggressive boss or co-worker. Your performance may be suffering as a result. Intimidation in the workplace does not have to manifest as overt bullying -- subtle techniques can be just as debilitating -- but all have the goal of taking away your power. Resist intimidation by maintaining a confident attitude and employing a few techniques of your own.

Instructions

1. Recognize when you are a target of intimidation. If your boss is constantly shouting at or insulting you, that's is easily recognizable as intimidating behavior, but you may also be the target of practical jokes and false rumors, or you may be habitually ignored. As a benchmark, remember that any actions on the part of your boss or co-workers that result in a loss of confidence or feeling of inadequacy on your part are intimidating.

2. Check in with the person who is making you feel intimidated. The behavior that is affecting you may not be conscious, and the person may be willing to change it. On the other hand, he may not be willing to own the behavior, or may be consciously trying to intimidate or sabotage you for reasons of his own.

3. Explain clearly the effect the person's behavior is having on you, and that your performance, as well as that of the company as a whole, is suffering as a result. If you consider discretion appropriate in your situation, send the person a letter or e-mail rather than responding to the intimidation verbally. Keep a copy for yourself so no misunderstandings arise about what you said.

4. Use specific defenses for verbal intimidation techniques. For example, if your boss habitually shouts at you, remain calm and respond in an emotionless manner that you'd prefer to continue the conversation after he's had a chance to calm down. If someone constantly interrupts you, slow down the conversation so you can finish what you are saying. Respond to a barrage of jargon or information meant to intimidate you with innocent curiosity, requesting clarification of minute points.

5. Talk to your immediate supervisor about intimidating behavior that arises from a co-worker. If it is coming from your boss, talk to his supervisor. Even if intervention isn't possible, the organization will be on notice and might watch for other instances of the offending behavior from that person and respond if appropriate.

References

• Workplace Intimidation; Home; Judith Munson; June, 2011
• Healthy Workplace Bill: FAQ