Be in Charge When Bullies at Work Attack You or Others

The title is a bold one.  The more research I do on bullies at work, the more convinced I am that we need to deal with these mean-spirited people.  I work with some leaders who admit that they are intimidated by bullies at work and just ignore them.  This occurs more than you may think.  Most people let bullies get away with their rude and dangerous behavior because it’s too risky to confront them.  I get this!  I really do.  I also know how important it is for me to continue to provide training to leaders on this critical matter.

Please let me know which of the strategies below speak to you.

Strategy #1 on Bullies at Work:  Understand What Makes Bullies Tick

• Bullies reject kind words of collaboration
• They want to win – not get along with their victims
• They intentionally hurt others
• Bullies believe in the philosophy:  It’s my way or the highway

Strategy #2 on Bullies at Work:  Bullies Pursue Their Targets

• Bullies admire those who stand up to them
• Bullies push to see how much you can take
• People who bully the bully get respect

Strategy #3 on Bullies at Work:  Stop Being a Victim

• Be aware that the bully may get angry when you speak up
• Decide if it’s worth the risk to stand up for yourself
• Prepare a response to address the bully if he or she calls you – or others humiliating names

Strategy #4 on Bullies at Work:  The Power is Yours if You are a Leader 

• It’s your responsibility to speak up when a bully takes over a meeting
• Suffering in silence makes things worse
• You are a role model to your team and will earn their respect when you stop bullies from intimidating others

Let’s Get Real

A friend of mine told me that she didn’t go to her 30^th high school reunion because she was the target of several bullies.  She is now a top-level leader and does an excellent job stopping bullies at work from intimidating others.  She is also human and still has scars from her high school days.

I’ve personally dealt with bullies in my adult life.  I’ve used each strategy that I’ve written about in these articles.  It was difficult to recognize that I was playing victim to these bullies at work.  Once I did, things changed immediately.

There you have it – be in charge when a bully attacks.  Stay tuned, I have more to share in future articles.

I want to hear from you

Add a comment to my blog on a bully at work who still controls you or others.  How can you stop him or her from intimating others?  You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂  You are always welcome to send me a private email with concerns that you are experiencing at work HERE.

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company. Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts.  Help us help them reduce conflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.

This is Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Have a great week.

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

P.S. Read an article on Is There A Bully at Work Who Makes Your Life Miserable? HERE