Think you work with a bully?  Do you regularly feel intimidated, put down, criticized or dread coming to work?  These may be signs that your co-worker is more than mean-spirited and may be a BULLY!  In a 2017 National Survey, workplace bullying was defined as “repeated mistreatment of an employee by one or more employees; abusive conduct that is: threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, work sabotage, or verbal abuse.”  Here are signs that you are working with a bully and how to protect yourself.

  1. Recognize that bullies rely on subservient behavior from their victims.
  2. Decide to stand up to the bully by naming their behavior explicitly.
  3. Tell them that, if they want to talk to you, then they must talk to you properly.
  4. Tell them that if they continue to talk to you badly, you will report the matter.
  5. Do NOT tell a bully how they make you feel (intimidated, upset or frightened).
  6. Look at the bully directly in the eye and hold their gaze resolutely when talking to them.
  7. Keep your voice volume slightly louder than your normal, but don’t shout.