How to disarm a bully in the workplace

“Good riddance to school, at least I never have to worry about being bullied again!”

That’s what you thought!

Then you get your first job, and… “Go make me some coffee!” or “What do we have for lunch today?”

Bullies are everywhere! And the best way to deal with them is to grow a thick skin and learn to say “NO”.

Bullies get satisfaction out of knowing they’re getting to you!

So rule Number One: Don’t get emotional

Easier said than done right? Because these bullies strive on pointing out all our imperfections! But practise staying calm and rational and try to diffuse the situation – laugh it off, walk away, block it out, do all you can to not indulge in the moment.

Rule number two: Don’t blame yourself

In situations like these it’s easy to fall into self-pity and self-blame, but in this instance remember all those cheesy things your LO teacher would tell you in school: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!” As juvenile as that may sound, it’s is one saying you can definitely carry with you all your life.

Some people are so unhappy with their own lives that they feel they need to make the next person just as unhappy.

Remember – “Happy people shine brighter” 

Rule number three: Do your best at work

It very easy to forget the task at hand when faced with office politics and bullies. But train yourself daily to keep your eye on the prize – the prize being earning a living, and the only way we can do that is by flushing out all the negative influences and doing our best at work.

Rule number four: Build a support network

Instead of allowing the bully to force you into isolation, to a point where you do not allow yourself to interact with your fellow co-workers. Rather put yourself out there and get to know your co-workers and allowing them to get to know you. DO NOT badmouth the bully or anyone else in the office.

Rule number five: Document EVERYTHING

Write down everything the bully does and who witnessed it. The reason for this is, some cases escalate and if you have a record of everything that has happened, it will help your case should a third party get involved, such as Human Resources or even the disciplinary board.

“The secret to being happy is accepting where you in life and making the most of every day.”