Standing Up to Certain Bullies at Work

Bullies at work is a topic that I will be writing about for the next few blogs because clients have been asking me for strategies on how to deal with these difficult people more often these days.  You may be experiencing tough personalities who drive you crazy, yet they may not be bullies. Or, they may be full-blown bullies who constantly intimidate and humiliate.

The ideas below will help you stand up for yourself with bullies at work.  They are all risky.  There, I said it!  It takes courage to stand up to certain bullies at work.  Make sure to answer the questions towards the end of the article.  I would love to hear your responses!

Idea #1 on how to stand up to bullies at work

Bullies are always to be found where there are cowards.
Mahatma Gandi, Indian activist

Bullies don’t pick on powerful people-only those who won’t fight back.  They like nice people who continually act nice even when they are treated cruelly.  Bullies at work pursue their targets.  Ask yourself if you are a target.  If so, this strategy is for you-your beginning of breaking patterns and gaining the strength to not take it anymore!

Idea #2 on how to stand up to bullies at work

You may have read other articles from me on using the power talk formula.  This is a perfect strategy to use at least once with bullies at work.  The power talk method will let you know if you are dealing with a full-blown bully or a difficult person.  Bullies do not respond in a positive way to the power talk formula like difficult people do.

Read More here for an article on the Power Talk Formula.

Bullies at work reject reasonable requests to get along because they only want to win.

Idea #3 on how to stand up to bullies at work

I will be sharing action plans on how to stand up to bullies in upcoming articles.  This example may be totally different from the ones that you have used in the past.  Are you ready?

Stop complaining about bullies at work and create a plan on how you can stop being a target.  If the bully starts putting you down about an idea that you believe in, start gaining control and stop being intimidated!  Stand up straight, look him in the eye, and assertively say, “John, don’t even start.”  The next move is to walk away.

Once you use this strategy a few times, it will become very easy.  I started using this idea a few weeks ago when a relative who complained about everything just didn’t stop whining.  I used this idea and it worked!

I want to hear from you about bullies at work

• Add a comment to my blog on your experience with bullies at work.
• Do you feel different about your bully now that you realize that you may be a target?
• What strategies have you used to help you with these intimidating people?

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 with bullies at work.

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

 

This is Joyce Weiss
Communications Coach and Expert
Helping resolve personality conflicts

Have a great week.

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