Are YOU Bullied At Work?
At one point or another in an employees life we run into a person in our workplace who could be defined as a "bully". This person, usually a well established member of the company, rules the company with an iron fist. Much like the playground bully, however this bully takes their craft to a whole new level.
You might be suprised to learn that a workplace bully is rarely the owner or Executive level staff member, nor do their activities normally include physical intimidation. The methods they use are much more sophisticated and much more difficult to determine.
Although the underlying motive for bullying in the workplace may be some sort of discrimination, bullies are extremely careful to avoid any possible accusations of discrimination. They have successfully practiced their craft over many years and have learned over time that getting busted for discrimination would bring a sudden halt to their activities. Since the basic underlying reason for their bullying is a need for power and control, the workplace is a perfect place to ply their trade.
More and more states are now recognizing and considering legislation to address the problem.
If you are or have experienced any of the following, you may be being bullied:
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* you attempt the obviously impossible task of doing a new job without training or time to learn new skills but that work is never good enough for the boss
* surprise meetings are called by your boss with no results other than further humiliation
* everything your tormenter does to you is arbitrary and capricious, working a personal agenda that undermines the employer’s legitimate business interests
* others at work have been told to stop working, talking or socializing with you
* you constantly feel agitated and anxious, experiencing a sense of doom, waiting for bad things to happen
* no matter what you do, you are never left alone to do your job without interference
* people feel justified screaming or yelling at you in front of others, but you are punished if you scream back
* HR tells you that your harassment isn’t illegal, that you have to "work it out between yourselves"
* you finally, firmly confront your tormentor to stop the abusive conduct, you are accused of harassment
* you are shocked when accused of incompetence despite a history of objective excellence, typically by someone who cannot do your job
* everyone — co-workers, senior bosses, HR — agrees (in person and orally) that your tormentor is a jerk, but there is nothing they will do about it (and deny saying what they said later when asked to support you)
* your request to transfer to an open position under another boss is mysteriously denied
[Gary Namie, Ph.D., http://www.bullybusters.org/]"
For more information : http://www.bullybusters.org/
DB