WHAT IS WORKPLACE BULLYING?

The word Bully conjures up thought patterns of big burly boys, men or strong women physically harming the more vulnerable. However this is what would be called the obvious bully. There are many other bullying tactics that employers and employees unwittingly use in our organisations that can leave people feeling isolated, lacking in confidence, and feelings of not being of value. Some examples are:

The Subtle Bully

A subtle bully will use back door communication to get their point across. Usually using a third person or an example whilst clearly pointing to the person they are communicating with.

This is normally done in a manner that leaves the employee frustrated as there is no room for rebuttal.

The confident communicator bully

This Bully is a very confident in their communication and the use of words. They have a quick mind and can easily intimidate by using words that can insult a less evolved person or communicate it such a confident and dominate way that the receiver feels too intimidated to respond. Sometimes a confident communicator bully is unaware of the impact they have and feel that they are "just being honest".

Emotional Manipulator Bully

This Bully is often good to their colleagues/employees by the giving of gifts or food and even confiding in them. Unfortunately subconsciously they do this with conditional strings attached. If the poor unsuspecting soul does not live up to the expectations that the emotional manipulator bully expects from their generosity they are isolated and frozen out by the bully. Often the Manipulator will then turn their attention to someone else.

Gang mentality Bully

These Bullies will gather around them a group of people that they can influence.
They use this pack mentality to back them in their behaviour towards their employee/colleague victim that may unwittingly not be living up to their expectations.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WORKPLACE BULLYING

An unusual amount of sick days and absenteeism by an employee.
An unusual number of employees leaving the organisation.
Low motivation and morale in employees.
Employees losing confidence and making mistakes.
Employees only saying what they feel the bully wants to hear.
A reluctance to be innovative or offering suggestions.

CONCLUSION

If your organisation is experiencing any of the above then you may have a workplace bully in your midst. This may be an employee that is the unofficial leader, a manager or sometimes it can be coming from the top. A good solution is creating a safe environment and process where employees can discuss their feelings, however there will only be a solution if when bully is identified they are given the self development training to improve their behaviour. In addition the victim may need assertive communication training.