How to Handle a Workplace Bully
Half the population has been bullied at work and may not even be aware of it. Both superiors and subordinates can be bullies using tactics like verbal abuse, harassment, discrimination, abuse of power and physical assault. This mistreatment need not be chronic to be considered bullying--one incident is one too many. Read this article for steps toward handling your workplace bully.
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Instructions
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Recognize that you are being bullied and that you did not seek nor do you deserve the abuse. Bullying says much more about the bully than it does the bullied. The problem is not about you, but it is up to you deal with it.
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Document abusive incidents involving the workplace bully. Record dates, times, behaviors and contexts. A generic statement like "she was mean to me" will not be taken seriously; however, the more specific "she yelled loudly and used curse words" identifies concrete behaviors that will back up your bullying complaints.
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Know your rights. Consult your Human Resources department for company, state and federal policies regarding a hostile work environment. If the department throws up roadblocks or fails to respond, seek outside legal advice and/or representation. Legal action may be required.
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Expose the bully. File a formal complaint and provide your documentation. In your case, explain that the bully is too expensive to employ because not only does his or her performance suffer but so does every other victim of the bully. State that you will leave your position unless the bully is removed. Stand behind your statement.
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Prepare for one of two responses: eagerness to get rid of the workplace bully (along with gratefulness that a strong enough reason has finally presented itself) or reluctance to get rid of the bully. If the bully will be removed, offer support and assistance for how the transition will affect those left behind. If the bully stays, follow through on your promise to get a new job.
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Assess the bullying environment at future employment opportunities. Before taking a new job, avoid stepping into another and possibly worse bullying climate. Ask about the turnover rate and why the previous person left the position now open. Actively look for signs of overworked, defensive or aggressive behaviors during the interview and when meeting with employees.
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Tips & Warnings
See a doctor, both a physician and a therapist. Bullying takes its toll on your mental and physical health. To successfully deal with a bully, you should be as healthy and strong as possible.
Support bullied co-workers: stand by them after the attack; refuse to side with the bully; unite other co-workers to resist the bully, and serve as a witness at any legal proceedings.
This document is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Comments
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tiffrocks17
Aug 02, 2010
Also... Most importantly, document the bully's behavior EVERY DAY through email. Send the email documentation to yourself at work and at home. These are dated and timed records of any incidents that occur -- that cannot be altered. Send them every day. Create a little folder in email, call it "Timeline", and file the unopened emails in the file. Open your home emails, print them, and file them at home. You now have two irrefutably dated and timed records to use as reference. -
jasminemars
Oct 12, 2008
#1 was my favorite. So many people do not even acknowledge that they are being bullied. They feel uncomfortable or depressed or wonder what is wrong with themselves. If they DO realize they are being bullied, then often they will think that somehow they deserve it. It is pretty hard sometimes to maintain your sense of worth in a negative workplace environment.
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jasminemars
Oct 12, 2008
#1 was my favorite. So many people do not even acknowledge that they are being bullied. They feel uncomfortable or depressed or wonder what is wrong with themselves. If they DO realize they are being bullied, then often they will think that somehow they deserve it. It is pretty hard sometimes to maintain your sense of worth in a negative workplace environment.
