3 Strategies for Turning the Tables on a Workplace Bully
-
Archives
- December 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- September 2016
- July 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
Tags
Most Popular
Source: BullyWhisperer
3 Strategies for Turning the Tables on a Workplace Bully
By Caitlin Remmer
“You sure screwed up,” Wayne snarled.
Marie’s stomach plummeted, as all eyes turned to her. She braced herself for what was coming. Wayne loved to put people on the defensive in front of others.
Bullies like Wayne excel at preemptive attacks that leave their targets defensive, flustered, and tongue-tied. Do you work alongside a bully? Learn to turn the tables and take control.
Ask a question
What happens if I slam you with a putdown and you respond with a question? Although it may seem like I’m still in charge, you’ve just taken control of our encounter.
Suppose a bully knows you’re sensitive about your appearance, and says to you, “You look like a dog.” You might redden and tighten your jaw in response to this snarky comment. If others are watching, they may pity you. What if you instead ask, “What breed?” By asking a question, you sidestep the attack and take control of the conversation.
Ignore blame and move toward a solution
Suppose you work for a bully boss who regularly yells at you, “Is that all you got done?” If you respond, “You don’t understand how long these things take,” you sound defensive. If, however, you ask “What would you like me to work on next?” you diplomatically move toward a solution.
Call the bully on his game
Bullies often smirk and say, “Just kidding,” after they jab you. If you protest, they blame you for feeling stung, asking, “Why are you making a big deal about this?” Challenge this maneuver. Imagine the bully says, “You’re a fool,” and you say, “that’s not true and it’s rude.” If the bully then says “just kidding,” you can respond “I don’t think so.”
How could Marie have handled Wayne? She could have asked, “Wayne, what would you have done differently?” Chances are, Wayne wouldn’t have had a response.
If Wayne kept attacking, she could have told him to cut it out, by saying, “Wayne, give it a rest.”