#bullies #bulliesintheworkplace #coach #careercoach #communicationstrategist
Welcome to video #4 in the series – Protecting Yourself from Bullies in the Workplace
Does your company have a process to deal with bullies in the workplace?
This video and article describe 4 different levels of intervention. Clients who use this process have seen positive results because leaders can address the bully with this system. It’s never easy having these tough conversations. Leaders who don’t know how or who sweep these meetings under the rug eventually see the morale go down the tubes.
Productive individuals have left former jobs when leaders did nothing with bullies or other difficult people. They found jobs in organizations where leaders know the importance of direct communication and accountability. How many of your star employees have left your company? I hope that these strategies will stop this from happening in the future.
You will find links to the other videos that you may have missed at the end of the article.
How to stop bullies in the workplace intervention #1: Informal Intervention
- Talk to your bully over coffee or in your office.
- Describe the disruptive behavior without sounding too critical.
- The intention of this first meeting is to let the bully know that this behavior has to change.
- If the bully gets defensive let him or her know that there are more professional ways to respond.
- Discuss professional options.
How to stop bullies in the workplace intervention #2: Awareness Intervention
- Collect data about bullying behavior.
- Discuss how the quality of work is being disrupted.
- Most people will adjust his or her behavior during this meeting.
- There could be a blind spot with this bully and no one ever called it to his or her attention.
How to stop bullies in the workplace intervention #3: Authority Intervention
- Leaders develop an evaluation plan with accountability built-in when behaviors persist.
- Expectations need to be clear.
- What behaviors need to be improved?
- What actions will happen if the bully doesn’t change?
- A timeline is presented.
How to stop bullies in the workplace intervention #4: Disciplinary Intervention
- Talk to human resources and share your data.
- The bully has been warned several times.
- He or she “shouldn’t” be surprised with the outcome due to the clear expectations and previous interventions.
More thoughts from Joyce
As a career coach and communication strategist, I have seen the danger of bullies in the workplace when nothing is addressed. It gets complicated when the boss is the bully! Clients address their challenges and we explore powerful strategies. Some of these strategies will be addressed in the next few videos. Please visit my YouTube channel or connect with me on LinkedIn where I have posted numerous stories about having tough conversations with difficult people.
Please contact me at 800.713.1926 to explore options for working with me as your private coach. Find your voice with Joyce is one of our new taglines.
Discover blind spots and how your communication impacts the success of your career. All sessions are conducted on the phone to fit your schedule and budget. The good news is that it usually only takes a few sessions to improve your communication skills.
I want to hear from you
Add a comment to my blog on how your organization deals with bullies. 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.
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Read More Here to learn how I can leverage my 30+ years as a career coach and communication strategist.
Kick Conflict to the Curb: Get the respect you deserve! 😉
This is Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Career Coach and Communication Strategist
Until next time, remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”
P.S. You will find the previous videos in the links below. Be prepared to learn strategies that will take your communication skills to the next level.
Intro Video to Protecting Yourself from Bullies in the Workplace
Video #1: Facts about Bullies in the Workplace
Video #2: Are you a Target for a Bully
Video #3: Why Bullying Happens
