Do you remember in elementary, middle, and high school the kids that would get picked on by bullies? I was one of those kids because I wore glasses, was quiet, and always reading a
book. I had to give the bullies my milk and snack money every day. My mother wanted me to tell her who was bullying me and my father wanted me to fight back? I did neither. The bullies finally left me alone and started picking on another innocent bystander.
Bullies have grown from the school yard to corporate America. Office bullying can be physically and emotionally damaging. The targets find it hard to explain to their managers and Human Resources what they are going through in fear of being perceived as a weak employee.
Studies have found that in the United States, an estimated 37% of workers, or about 54 million people, have been bullied at the office, or repeatedly mistreated in a health-harming way. The percentage balloons to 49% of workers, 71.5 million people, when witnesses are included.
In order to bust the office bully, use the following tactics:
- Be rational and provide consistent details – keep accurate notes with dates and times of incidents so that you will be prepared when speaking with management.
- Express emotions appropriately – do not be emotional when speaking with management.
- Get your story straight – do your research and let management know that office bullying is not just happening to you but happening in offices everywhere.
- Be relevant – discuss your case with other targeted employees and encourage managers to talk to those employees.
- Emphasize your own competence – highlight your career successes and do not let the bully’s actions portray a negative characterization of you.
For those that are being bullied in the office, at home or school say this verse that will bring you inner strength – Isaiah 54:17, No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.