A Bold New Strategy to Use with Bullies in the Workplace

• Do you walk on eggshells with bullies in the workplace?
• Are you caught off guard when someone constantly interrupts you?
• Would you like to learn how to protect yourself from these negative behaviors?

I’m continuing my quest to help my clients gain control from the bullies in their workplace and home.life.  This article contains a new strategy to use when the power talk formula just won’t work – especially with certain bullies.

A participant in my Be Direct with Respect® Communication Workshop shared an incident that happened to him.  Doug is a manager and Sue, one of his direct reports interrupts Doug numerous times.  Doug has already used the power talk formula with Sue.  He said, “Sue I’m frustrated when I’m interrupted because I have already asked you to wait until the question and answer portion of the meeting.”  Doug is tired of Sue’s rude behavior plus his team has complained to him about Sue’s constant interruptions.  As one team member bluntly asked, “Can’t you shut her up?”

We brainstormed several ideas and came up with the following strategy to control Sue and other bullies in the workplace.  The next time Sue interrupts Doug during the meeting he will say, “Sue. Stop!”  Some of you may think this is an aggressive strategy.  Doug already had discussions with Sue and nothing ever changes.  I encouraged Doug not to sound like a bully himself, but to say, “Stop!” in a strong and assertive tone.

Doug called me a week later and told me that this strategy worked.  Sue was caught off guard and didn’t say a word until the question and answer portion of the meeting.  This strategy may backfire.  It’s always a risk to communicate with bullies in the workplace.  The good news is that when the strategy works, the bully won’t push you anymore.  You won’t be fun to push.  The bully will find someone else to antagonize.

I want to hear from you

Add a comment to my blog on how you control bullies in the workplace.  What stories or expressions help you get through the stress?  You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂  You are always welcome to send me a private email HERE with concerns that you are experiencing at work.

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Do you want more information on bullies in the workplace?

Learn how I can leverage my 30+ years of leadership consulting and coaching experience to help your organization address workplace bullying here.

READ more articles and listen to podcasts at our knowledge base bullying in the workplace here.

 

This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Have a great week.

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”