Video #7: Verbal Aikido to Stop Bullies from Making You Feel Defensive

#bulliesintheworkplace #coach #verbalaikido

I have an important question for you:
Do you want to add an easy strategy in your tool-box to gain control with difficult people and bullies in the workplace?

Welcome to video #7 in the series “Protecting Yourself from Bullies in the Workplace”:  Verbal Aikido to gain control with bullies and difficult people. Today I’ll share how you can pull back when others push you with their negativity

Bullies in the Workplace Strategy #1:  At Times we Need to Bully the Bully

You heard me right.  Bullies admire those who speak with strength and don’t let bullies get away with their negative behavior. 

Here’s an example I used with my coaching client who was tired of feeling defensive all the time when a bully constantly pushed her.

The bully said, “All our managers don’t know anything about how hard it is to work with our demanding clients.”  My client used to push back by saying, “How can you say that?” – pushing back.  She learned this new approach below after only a couple of sessions.

She agreed with the bully.  For example, “You’re right.  We may not understand how tough it is with these unhappy clients – please let me know how we can support your efforts.” This is an example of Verbal Aikido.  Pulling back and not pushing back.  I always say that it’s a huge risk using these strategies with bullies.  I also know that when it works out, it’s worth the risk.

Stay tuned for more examples of how clients gained control by using verbal aikido.

Bullies in the Workplace Strategy #2:  Work with a Communication Strategist

You may be ready or you know someone who wants to explore working with a career coach or communication strategist to go deep and resolve communication challenges with difficult people or bullies in the workplace.  If you want to explore options working with me as your private coach or anyone who you feel could benefit from a few sessions – call me at 800.713.1926.  We will send you a new brochure that describes how coaching could be a good next step.

Find your voice with Joyce

Do you know how your communication impacts your success at work?  Take the FREE Communication assessment HERE and you will receive your scores immediately.  I will send you an email after you take the assessment with ideas that you can use to improve your communication skills.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn HERE.  You will find my article on Verbal Aikido on my LinkedIn profile HERE

Until next time,
Joyce Weiss, M.A. CSP
Career Coach and Communication Strategist

Have a great week
Remember…you get what you tolerate!