How can I avoid being bullied by my colleagues and strangers?

Question

Currently working in a office environment. Am avoiding some of my colleagues because I am afraid of them. But I am a grown up. Why should I be afraid of them? I am also afraid of strangers who act aggresively. Is this normal behaviour.

Answer 1

Talk to yourself!! Talk yourself through situations. Its a mind over matter thing. Self respect is a beautiful thing, keep in mind, that you are just as important as they are, theres no minorities in this work place, get my point? Practice confidence, Be nice, say "hi" or "good morning" to your co workers, other wise, you draw more attention to yourself when you dont socialize on a professional level, by at least acknowledging them.

As for strangers, who really cares about them?? They have no part in your life, just walk with your head high, again, practice confidence, and tell yourself that you are a good person!

Answer 2

You come across all kinds of people at the work place. When you are new, you could be regarded as a threat, so some people may be defensive or aggressive. Would they bodily harm you? Mostly not, they would only try to put you down. If you are quiet, it could be taken as aloofness or pride. You do not have to be friends with everyone at the work place. What they say behind your back, just ignore it. Otherwise confront them and set things right. Many a time I have been purposely ignored by others, and I have even heard them say derogatory things within earshot. I then did something very nice, not servile or to butter up that person. Maybe just around the place. And then the person came up to me all smiles and behaved as if I was his long lost pal. That way you make them doubly sorry for having done or said what they did.
Even if you are not physically tall, remember this, they will have to bow their heads while talking to you.

Answer 3

I have felt that way before I worked in an office setting where it seemed my boss really valued a coworker because she was loud rude and offensive, more so than other coworkers around her like myself (the boss was the same way.)
I made friends with the abrasive coworker but that did not override my distaste and fear of her outbursts, so aside from that I avoided her during her tirades. But in the meanwhile I did my best work and focused on my job and excelled because in the long run you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. So I outlasted her. That isn't always going to be the case so get some of the books that have been recommended and you can probably learn some good coping tactics.

Answer 4

I believe it had something to do with your character and the environment that you are being exposed to.How long have you been working? When everybody start to work they will try to mix around with their new colleague and make friends with them. Yes, a lot of people tends to be aggressive so that othes will be scare of him/her but there is nothing to be afraid of. Just treat the person like a normal person and things will be fine. Try not to keep to yourself but mixed around with your colleague. I believe that as long as you are willing to take the first step you can be sucessful. Do your best

Answer 5

There is usually always a reason when one can't deal with aggressive people, you could consider seeing a psychologist. It is not a question of age and you are not the first but you need to learn to deal with the problem, either by ignoring people when they are aggressive and being in their company when they are not, or confronting them by asking them why they are being aggressive. Often people don't realize that they are being aggressive and it will help you out too, it takes a lot the first time but after breaking the ice you'll see it's all downhill!!!

Answer 6

Unfortunately this is normal in a office enviornment. You are most likely type b (search this in psychology on the internet) and introverted. I am a type a and extremely aggressive. The solution is stand your ground and establish respect immediately. The more space you give them to disrespect you the more they will take and walk all over you.

Answer 7

I wonder if they have given you reason to be intimidated, or if you carry this to the workplace. It is normal to have fear in situations that warrant it. And unfortunately, some workplace environments are pernicious, and some coworkers and superiors are evil. I would want to hear more about your situation before commenting further on it.

Answer 8

Sounds like you are a passive person who tends to avoid confrontation. That's something that you may or may not want to work on. I would try since it is interfering with your work.

Answer 9

I reccomend the book "play like a man, win like a woman". It will explain the things in your upbringing that make you feel like this and how to overcome them. Good Luck!

Answer 10

Visualization.
Affirmation.
Mission statement.

Read the seven habits of highly effective people. Don't walk, run to the book store.