Dealing with Workplace Bullies: Conscious Leadership is the Key
The Uncomfortable Reality of Workplace Bullying
Many perceive bullying as an issue confined to the school playground. However, workplace bullying is a harsh reality affecting 30% of adult Americans and 43% of remote workers according to the Workplace Bullying Institute. Such behavior can create toxic work environments and demoralize employees. Yet, we can combat workplace bullying. Let's delve into this often-overlooked issue.
A Personal Story from Conscious Leadership Expert, Ginny Clarke
As a conscious leadership expert, I've seen the effects of bullying first hand. It's not confined to junior staff members but can happen at all levels within an organization. My personal encounter with workplace bullying came from a superior. I endured insidious remarks aimed at undermining my confidence and credibility, a tactic often referred to as "gaslighting." I successfully dealt with this through the proper channels, resulting in the departure of my bully, but not without experiencing a significant emotional toll.
Recognizing the Manifestations of Bullying
Harvard Business Review's insightful article, 'How Bullying Manifests at Work - and How to Stop It,' details the various ways bullying can appear. For instance, "The Screamer" and "The Schemer" are common bullying archetypes. Moreover, high performers are more likely to be targets rather than bullies, often due to jealousy or an attempt to sabotage their success. Understand that enduring bullying is a traumatic experience, and it's vital to keep in mind the importance of fair, equitable hiring and performance assessment.
Learning from Experience: Addressing Bullying in the Workplace
Bullying is not always overt, making it crucial to recognize subtle signs. It's necessary to note interactions that leave you feeling demoralized or attacked. Confronting the alleged bully subtly and asking direct questions may sometimes help. Seeking support from HR or resources like www.stopbullying.gov and www.workplacebullying.org are also recommended. Always stand your ground, follow up on any investigation, and seek psychological support through your employee benefits if needed.
Applying Conscious Leadership: Asking The Difficult Questions
As a conscious leadership expert, I urge you to consider the metaphysical implications of bullying. This does not suggest you caused the bullying but prompts you to reflect on what lessons you might learn from the experience. Are you perceiving yourself as a helpless victim?
Call to Action
Whether you are an employee trying to navigate through a challenging work situation or a leader committed to creating a safe and empowering work environment, conscious leadership can be a powerful tool. Understanding and navigating workplace dynamics is a part of everyone's career journey.
If you're interested in learning more about how to apply conscious leadership principles in your career,
join the "Conscious Leadership Circle," a digital community focused on nurturing a new generation of conscious leaders. Let's together create workplaces that are safe, nurturing, and conducive to the growth of every individual.
Additionally, I invite you to download my Career Mapping Workbook. The workbook is designed to guide you in effectively navigating your career path.
Bullying is an issue that requires our immediate attention and conscious leadership is the key to tackling it effectively. Let’s work together to make our workplaces better.
