Workplace Bullying
Bullying, it’s not just for the playground anymore…
More and more companies are downsizing and requiring increased productivity from their existing staff. Reduction in staff means that competition for advancement is more aggressive than ever. It’s no wonder that fuses are short, tempers flare and workplace bullying is on the rise. So, when does normal workplace tension become bullying?
Here are some signs that you’re being bullied at work:
Work Feels Like it’s a Warzone.
Your weekends have become countdowns and the closer it gets to Monday the more miserable you become. Monday morning rolls around and your goal is to just make it through the day in one piece. If you are experiencing high levels of anxiety and nausea before your workweek even starts your work environment is most likely a hostile one.
Rumors, Lies and More Lies
Covert bullies actively participate in the gossip mill at work. They are constantly at work, flying under the radar, spreading lies and gossip intended to ruin your professional and personal reputation. – FYI, failing to stop a malicious rumor can be considered an act of bullying.
Bullying 101 – Mind Games
If any these mind games have become a regular part of your relationship with your boss or co-worker, chances are you are being bullied.
Your boss or coworker:
- falsely accuse you of making errors and breaking office policies
- set you up by changing project requirements and not telling you about them
- procrastinate by not performing tasks critical to your projects success
- never ever puts anything in writing so that there is no paper trail
- knows about your commitments after work and they constantly change your schedule at the last minute to create conflict.
(i.e., special occasions, classes, picking up kids etc.)
- habitually takes credit for your work and ideas while downplaying your work and accomplishments
Bullying is all about CONTROL and the people targeted are almost always seen as threats. Targeted people are seen as competition and need to be eliminated. The targets are almost always people who excel at their work, are competent, personable and well liked. So if you are being bullied stop blaming yourself thinking that you somehow caused the bullying. Recognize what’s really going on and start working on your options to handle the situation.
Should you stay and fight? Or should you wait it out until a better opportunity comes along? Either way, don’t attempt this alone. Seek out professional assistance. A counselor can teach you how to better recognize and cope with bullying, while giving you an invaluable personal skill set that you will use for the rest of your life.
Wait! There's more to this article!
Workplace Bullying Series
Part 1 - Bullying - It's not just for the Playground anymore
Part 2 - Bullying - More Signs You're Being Bullied at Work
If you or someone you know are dealing with bullying of any kind, please share this article with them and encourage them to get professional assistance.
For more information call 407.415.2493, or email us at info@lifeworksoul.org.
Melody Kipp, PhD, LMHC is the President and CEO of Life & Work Soulutions, Inc. She holds an earned Doctorate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a Clinical-Counseling emphasis. Dr. Kipp has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH5137) in the State of Florida since 1999 and is a State of Florida Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns and Marriage & Family Therapy Interns. [...]
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Life & Work Soulutions
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