Not too long ago, Forbes put out an article identifying the three workplace bullies and how you can use your wit and common sense to avoid their destruction.
The article named the three workplace bullies as follows: e-mail bullies, social media bullies, and plain old mean bullies. E-mail bullies CC half of the office on e-mails that range from slightly degrading to full-out wrong. Social media bullies spend time crafting passive-aggressive Facebook statuses, Twitter messages or other notes on networks that may or may not be about you or the workplace you two share. Last but not least, the old-school bullies use personal threats, character degradation and other forms of attacks to keep you right where they want you.
The problem comes in when you, as an employee, has to deal with the bully and aren’t quite sure how to handle it. As mom always told you, facing a problem head on is always your best option. But what if you’re not quite sure what to do or don’t want to go it alone?
The best way to put a stop to a bully is to talk to a superior in your workplace first. If your boss hasn’t noticed the degrading or demeaning things this bully is doing, they need to. It’s not being a snitch or a tattler if you are telling someone in power that you are made to feel uncomfortable every day during work. In fact, it’s smart to do so. If you don’t, then you’re allow yourself and others to suffer.
Don’t depend on your co-workers to say something for you. This problem is with you and the person. Therefore, you need to go directly to your boss, or directly to the person. Waiting for a co-worker to snap and say something will most likely do little for your own cause other than create more friction.
But what if your bully is the boss?
Speak with them. Since they are in a place of power, they are expected to be able to take constructive criticism, be it from their higher-ups or their own employees. Do not be confrontational, but let them know exactly what they are saying or doing that bothers you. Provide solutions, too. You can’t just tell someone they are doing something wrong, then give them no path to fix it.
No luck with that? Head to your company’s human resources department if you have one and report the problem. If this doesn’t work, consider getting in touch with your boss’ boss. Bullying in the work place is not only unethical, but it also hinders productivity.
The read the whole article and see a list of Forbes solutions to each bully, click here.
Tags: bad workplace environment, bullying, how to stop bullying, workplace bullying, workplace culture, workplace environment
I had the old school bully boss. Went to HR and spoke to them 3 times in 5 months. They decided the best solution was to fire me. Be careful about talking to a boss or going to HR. Know the company you are working for before you do this. I knew I made the wrong choice when I chose to go to HR by the way they treated me when I complained. Had witness too and HR wanted no part of it. Just be careful, if you really need your job.