What is the best way to deal with a workplace bully?

Answer 1

Public humiliation seems to work for me. If s/he's bullying in a staff meeting, state loudly, "I see you decided to be an asshole again today, Shirley. Predictability looks great on you!"

Answer 2

This depends a whole lot on your position on the pecking order and who the bully is. If he or she is a colleague, you can ask to be moved or report them. If it is your boss, this is more complex. Yes, you can report him or her to his or her boss, but to be honest, they'll probably back the bully. Human resources departments are useless in dealing with bullies. The best thing to do is to document, document, document ... and while doing so, try to find another job. At some point, you may need to take legal action for constructive (if you are continually harassed) or actual termination (if you get fired). But don't quit, unless the bullying gets so bad that your health is at risk.

I am telling you this because I been through it - twice. The first time involved legal action against the government which eventually settled; the second time, I sued and eventually settled, but the person who bullied me eventually took over my job and she has no qualifications. Unfortunately, this continues to happen and many people I know have literally been driven from the workplace because of this.

As long as bullies can bully, they will. What is needed are legislative and financial deterrants. If I was a bully and I knew that I could be held PERSONALLY and FINANCIALLY liable (as well as the company) for my target's medical costs and retraining costs, etc., it will deter me. If I knew I could possibly be ordered by a court to quit my job at this company, I will also be deterred. Companies do not want to keep somebody who is costing them money all the time ...

The difficulties that exist now is there is very little anybody can do to stop workplace bullies. Yes, you can quit your job, but the bully will still be employed ... and yes, there are ways that bully can continue to make your job search impossible for you. I've met older people who cannot find ANY work because of this, but outside of a slander suit (which you have to prove) - there is almost no remedy for this.

Answer 3

Find another job. Workplace bullies are usually the ones that get ahead because they defame everyone else behind their backs. Thank you for your question.

Answer 4

First, whatever it is they're doing, ask them to stop. Record somewhere in writing the day you discussed your situation with them. If that doesn't work, take your notes to your co's HR and tell them you've tried a civil resolution that has not worked, and you'd like to report workplace harrassment.

Answer 5

it depends on the job what u can do...either totally ignore and avoid and pretend he doesnt exist which is a good option, or if ur in a job that doesnt care like some construction jobs ive had...jump on 'em! let him know you wont take it...knock his butt out ..but dont use a weapon that would be bad...as far as reporting goes i always lived around the bigger cities and the golden rule is that snitches get stitches so i dont advise that unless you know there wont be reprisal..

Answer 6

Ignore him, but really, a bully if often a lonely person. Is it out of the question to befriend him/her?

Answer 7

Report the person to HR. Or wait til after work and kick his a**

Answer 8

Find allies. There's strength in numbers.

Answer 9

look him in the face while the boss is nearby and say whatever then go tell the boss what is going on

Answer 10

Report him to HR