Neighbor News
Workplace Bullies Can Ruin your Dream Job
Bully oesn't end at the schoolyard. An otherwise great job can be ruined by a bully.
Workplace bullying is for real. While most of us don't spend our days worried about how we're going to bullied at work, some unfortunate workers quit jobs over bullying.
What makes a workplace bully?
The Guardian profiled bullies in a recent piece: Workplace bullies generally manipulate or terrorise those with status below or equivalent to themselves. It does sound like the big, jerky kid on the playground who bullies those smaller than he.
How do you say no to your boss if he or she is a bully? It's difficult enough to negotiate your workload. If your supervisor tends to ridicule, manipulate, or otherwise terrorize you, saying no is that much more challenging.
Perhaps the most painful symptom of workplace bullying is the overwhelming feeling of helplessness you face on a daily basis. Every morning, you have bullying to look forward to. Every evening, you get to reflect on the drama of the day.
What to do about workplace bullying?
Here are some ideas:
Band together with co-workers. There is strength in numbers. Chances are high that you're not the only one being bullied. You may find the best support you can get among your co-workers.
Know your legal options. This post contains no legal advice, just a suggestion that you do have legal rights. Why not understand them? If you're being bullied, you are not in the wrong and the bully may be violating company policy or the law.
Know there is hope. Of course you've heard the saying this too shall pass. It's popular because it's true. Are you aware that it is true fo you, right now?
Realize it's not about you. Bullies are insecure people. Deep down, they're scared. And when you stand up to them, the inner sense of chronic humiliation erupts. In the meantime, they attempt to avoid their inner mess of emotional pain by focusing their attention on others. It's sad really. And it's not about you.
Reach out for community support. Check out the Workplace Bullying Institute. Nothing is more soothing to the soul than knowing you're not alone.
