Bullies: Who to Deal with them at the Workplace

It's time for that big meeting.  You are excited because you get to share your new ideas with you supervisor or it is evaluation time and you are excited because you know that you have made improvements.  Then someone comes to you makes threats or steals your thunder leaving you feeling deflated and unappreciated.  What should you do with people who do this?  Don't get mad, get smart.

We all knew of them at school or maybe we were them.  People who imtimidated others and took credit for assignments or ideas that weren't theirs.  They were bullies then, and guess what?  They are bullies now.  But in the workplace surely we are all adults and this will be seen and not continued.  You have to take a stand.  You are your best advocate, cheerleader, and judge. 

1.  Don't get even, get friends.  This person may not be just using or abusing you, this could be happening to others.  Get support by networking.  Make strong connections on the job and with your supervisors. Besides if things really get going you may need character witnesses. 

2.  Record this, record that.  Keep a running record of the "run ins" or incidences you have with this person.

Even if it is a seemingly insignificant comment, record it anyway.  Record dates, times, people that were nearby.  If the problems persists then you have something to show your superiors and/or Human Resources.(You remember this if you remember nothing else from this article. You were hired out of all the people that were interviewed, and you deserve to work in an atmosphere of peace not of strife.  Work in itself is hard enough without having someone add to your stress.)

3.  Don't be a fool and don't lose your cool.  My grandmother used to say if you don't want people to get your goat don't let them know where it is tied.  This means don't show you are angry if you need to leave, then leave.

Excuse yourself for a quick drink of water or a quick dash outside to get fresh air.  This is not a show of weakness, this is an action of wisdom.  Count to 10 and return.  In anger, people breathe in shallowly.  So take a few deep breaths.  Let oxygen into the brain and then make a decision.  Never react to anger it shows that you have no control or self discipline.

Good Luck.  If you have some thoughts or comments please share them with us. 

Author Profile: Carly Greene

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