How do you handle a professional level employee who is a bully?

Question

I have to supervise this person directly.

Is it just a lack of confidence on the part of the bully or are some people just generally mean? Any pointers to help me cope would be appreciated.

Answer 1

1) Keep a personal diary. It includes any number of things you want it to but it also records in a sytematic way your concerns.

2) Seek answers from your peers and especially those with maturity and experience in such a way that you both communicate your concerns, ( a problem shared is a problem halved,) and get advice as to appropriate strategies.

3) At all times you must behave in a professional manner towards him. You must not betray your personal feelings otherwise you may loose the respect of others, especially those who like and respect you. This can be particularly difficult if the level of bullying is sufficiently high.

4) You have a right as well to expect professional behavior of those that you supervise. Bullying, whether you or some other individual is the target, is unprofessional behavior. It's also illegal and your bosses are vulnerable to court action. Introduce, if possible, a professional development program that addresses bullying/discrimination in the workplace. Your bosses will generally agree to any method that will save the company money or prestige. (These days, law suits in these areas get pretty good newspaper coverage and the courts are far more sensitive to these very serious social issues.) This measure may very well cause little change in this person's behavior towards you but it will have two knock on effects. a) It will make your staff in general, more sensitive to the issue; b) You have publicly and professionally showed your concerns in this area. This is professional behavior.

So, to summarize, I think the best way to cope with your problem is by using the means at your disposal you have access to as a supervisor. Maintain your professional image and don't let the bastard get you down.

Answer 2

Oh, I've dealt with this one. First, you are probably correct, the bully's behavior stems from self esteem issues. You have two options:

a) Crush the bully. Find his/her weak spot and exploit it to teach some humility. This is a hard one and ill-advised for a direct report.

b) Approach this person as you would a naughty child. Always maintain self esteem, after all that is the root of the whole problem, but try to redirect the behavior. If possible, keep the opportunities to interact with others, especially those that may be more sensitive, to a minimum. If this doesn't work try punishing the unwanted behaviors by removing something the bully thrives on, maybe your attention or recognition, until s/he can behave.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Some people just enjoy being mean. It is called sadism and it comes in many different forms.