• Does someone intimidate you or insult you and denigrate you?
• Does anyone talk over you , go out of their way to criticise you, or continually take credit for your work?
If you answer yes to these questions, chances are that you have been (or are currently) the subject of bullying in the workplace.
Here are some actions to take that might help to defeat the bully.
You’re not the only one
In research conducted in the USA (The Zogby study) , it was found that:
• Bosses comprise 72% of bullies.
• More men (60%) are bullies, but women bullies target other women (71%).
• 62% of employers ignore the problem; 40% of employees targeted by a bully never tell their employer.
• 45% of people targeted by a bully experience stress-related health problems including debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, and clinical depression (39%).
What will you tolerate?
Has the line in the sand been crossed? Then exercise your right to tell the bully to stop. Explain to the individual that his/her behaviour is unacceptable and let them know you will not put up with it anymore.
Confronting a bully can be difficult, but, as Littman and Hershon suggest in I Hate People, bullies are “only effective when they’re on solid ground. Ground that you can take away.”
Remember: You’re the adult dealing with a tantrum. No wise parent gives in to a child’s fit because it just leads to more fits.
Document situation's as they occur
At any time you feel bullied or are experiencing unacceptable behaviour, document the date, time and details of the incident. You should also note any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident/s. If the bullying was via email or social networking print off the material and keep copies.
Tell Management
If you have tried to resolve the issues yourself without success, you need to raise the issue with someone more senior in the organisation. It is against the law to bully someone, so be brave and stand up to them and get support.
Ensure your company has a grievance procedure which can be used in these circumstances.
