This archive report was first published on 26 October 2019.
Workplace bullying is a serious issue that affects many industries, and it's not confined to school playgrounds. A 'culture of fear' exists in many workplaces, and bullying can have severe consequences for the victim.
According to Oade, a skilled bully uses specific behavior to retain control of the interaction and create a bullying dynamic. However, the victim has more influence at the time of an attack than they think.
It's essential to recognize what the bully is trying to achieve and not to defend oneself or justify actions. Instead, put the issues back onto the bully and hold them accountable for what they've said.
For example, if a bully makes a significant error in handling a key customer, the victim can regain their composure and put the bully on the spot by asking them to justify their statement.
Using confident body language can also make a difference in altering the energy between the target and the bully. Appearing confident during an attack changes the evolving bullying dynamic in the target's favor.
It's crucial to remember that most bullying remarks contain an element of truth but are wrapped up in a fabric of lies, slander, and deceit. The victim doesn't need to defend themselves or justify their actions; instead, they can put the issues back onto the bully and hold them accountable.
By taking control and standing up to a bully, victims can effectively tackle the problem and regain their power. It's essential to remember that there's always something you can say or do at the time of the attack, no matter how small it may seem.
