Workplace bullies: part 2

By Pansy Hall, examiner.com

In the last article, we explored workplace bullies. The internet is full of stories about this seemingly 21st century issue. It’s been around for ages. From the male domination of female workers to the mistreatment of minorities, bullying is nothing new.

In the past workplace bullies were a little more subtle with their game. They knew how to “do their dirt in the dark”. For example, the executive who promises a pay raise and a promotion in exchange for a sexual favor is a bully. As is the supervisor or co-worker who takes another worker’s idea and presents as his or her own.

These days the bullies are dumber and more out in the open than ever. The sad thing is they really believe the stuff they’re spewing. A former co-worker once said, “Stupid people have taken over the world.” And the workplace. It seems folks with the least amount of skill and work ethic are the ones rewarded with promotions and positions of responsibility. That’s why bullying has become such a problem in recent years.

Even if you’re not the bully’s main target it affects you and everyone else. The bully’s main goal is to seek and destroy and once he or she has succeeded, they wlll find another target. The previous article offered suggestions on dealing with a bullying supervisor. Now it’s time to tackle the co-worker who can be almost like a “cancer” in the workplace, destroying healthy workers and leaving black holes behind.

Signs that your co-worker is a bully:

1. Gossip that attacks a person’s ability to do the job (calling the target lazy or undermining his work).

2. Distracting behavior (talking during critical periods, playing music, even singing).

3. Pretending to “help” but actually discrediting the target.

4. Gossiping to the target about someone else (old saying: if a dog will bring a bone, it will take it).

As with a bullying supervisor, you can’t document enough. Also find out about your company’s policy on harassment. Of course if all else fails, it’s time to go.