Stop It, You Big Bully!
When we hear the word “bully”, it’s hard to picture anything outside the typical image of a buff teenager who teases others and is the source of peer pressure in school. But we as adults know, there’s no age limit when it comes to creating negative, unproductive environments dominated by power struggles.
The Indianapolis Business Journal recently highlighted the topic of bullying bosses. Written by Robby Slaughter, founder of Slaughter Development, LLC, the article, “When Bosses Behave Like Bullies“, points out more than just what occurs in an office when employees feel berated or pressured from their managers. It discusses how we can move forward in our own productivity despite the negativity that impedes our own confidence and/or motivation. Below is an excerpt from the article:
Instead of preparing a list of grievances or trying to complain through official channels, there is a more effective way to deal with bully bosses. It’s the same strategy to use with anyone who is negatively affecting your workplace experience: Focus on the fundamental purpose of work. The reason you have a job is to produce. No matter whether the behavior others exhibit is uncooperative, distracting or demeaning, they will hurt your productivity. Your ultimate ally against any workplace frustration is your ability to make progress.
If your boss tries to bully you into doing more work, ask him to help you prioritize your task list. If your boss berates the quality of your efforts, ask for specific feedback so you can improve. If your boss makes snide comments, take them literally, ask for clarification or include them in the meeting minutes word for word. If your boss tells you to put a project on hold, send a confirmation e-mail in case you need to remind him of the decision later. Your productivity is absolutely inviolable. No boss can bully you while you are focused on getting work done.
To learn more about positively managing your workflow despite negative shortcomings in your office, contact Slaughter Development today! We may not be able to get the bully fired from their job, but we can certainly help transform your working environment into one that is motivating and refreshing.
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April 18th, 2011 at 11:36 am
Great post. I agree that documenting every incident can be counterproductive in that it wastes time and reminds you of the negativity. And I agree that focusing on your individual tasks at hand and overall goals as an employee should be prime motivators. But what about the emotional toll bullying takes? The stress caused by bullies is often not easily overcome by simply toughing it out and forging ahead regardless of what the bully does.
I’d be interested to hear your take on this, Robby!
April 18th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Thanks for the comment, Tristan!
The best solution for any job in which you are being bullied is to find another job. That’s not always practical, but it should be the first thought in your mind. After all, an environment which supports bullying is probably not a very healthy place to work.
You are right that bullying takes a serious emotional toll. If you decide to stay in the job, it’s essential to consciously recognize that the bullying is not about you or your performance. This negative behavior is entirely the fault of the aggressor, not the victim.
With this in mind, it’s powerful to engage the bully obliquely. If they try to insult you personally, redirect their feedback into your work. If they make unreasonable demands on your time, ask for their help in identifying what’s most important. The more you can demonstrate your work ethic to the bully, the harder it will be for them to discredit you. There is no force more powerful at work than work itself. If you’re getting things done and rising above the fray, you’ll be rewarded—or find solace in moving on to a new opportunity where you are appreciated.
April 18th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Terrific answer, Robby! Esp. love this: “There is no force more powerful at work than work itself.”
Looking forward to reading more great stuff from you in the future.