What are effective coping strategies for workplace bullying in career counseling?

In my Ph.D. research, I explored incivility (disrespectful or rude behaviour with a lack of consideration for others). While not as overt as harassment, incivility can still significantly impact your mental health and well-being. Unfortunately, some workplaces look the other way regarding subtler forms of mistreatment. If you find yourself facing incivility or bullying, consider addressing the issue directly with the person involved, expressing your concerns calmly and assertively. Document instances of incivility, as having a record can be helpful if the need arises to escalate the matter. Finally, don't be afraid to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or HR professionals.

Workplace bullying takes many forms. When something is said or done consistently that is hurtful, and done with the intent to cause stress or provide the assailant masked happiness; bullying is taking place. The "Assailant" or person who is engaging in the harmful behavior is hurting employees, morale, and the organization. As a professional, we often give grace or pretend what we feel is not harmful. STOP! As you are becoming your authentic you, be honest and acknowledge how you feel. This will probably not be the most popular thought...but allow it to make you better! Horrible(bully) leadership typically pushes you. Pushes you to scale up, learn more, and often pushes you to move on. Speak up, show up, show out. Exit when appropriate.

1. It can be helpful to detach yourself emotionally from the other person's actions while maintaining a certain level of empathy. This allows people to become less reactive while staying grounded. 2. If you can learn more about what motivates bullies and what maintains their behaviour, you increase your options for response. 3. Focus on self-care routines to maintain your physical and mental well-being. 4. Determine what actions you will not tolerate. It’s important to establish boundaries and not let instances of bullying escalate. Address concerns promptly rather than waiting for them to worsen. 5. If workplace bullying persists despite your efforts, consider exploring other job opportunities.

Understanding and identifying various forms of workplace bullying—be it direct or covert—is crucial. It encompasses verbal abuse, threats, exclusion, unfair criticism, and subtle behaviors like disguised teasing or feedback. Recognizing these signs and their impact on your emotional, physical, and mental well-being is essential for addressing the issue effectively.

In many instances, workplace bullying may not be overtly apparent. I've found that these subtler forms can be more challenging to cope with than their explicit counterparts. Keeping an eye out for these implicit versions of bullying is crucial for fostering a supportive and respectful work environment.

I was responsible for investigating a claim of workplace bullying. I completely agree with the significance of documentation. Documenting bullying includes noting time and location of the incident, what occurred, what led up to the incident, what resulted afterward, and who all was present. It provides a record of what occurred and the frequency of such behavior.

Learn your work culture environment, the policies and always ask for clarification of specific processes for filing complaints for all broken policies. When writing to HR about specific infringements or harassment, be sure to include the broken policies and language used within that policy to show evidence of a violation or broken code of conduct. Be sure to keep a log with dates, times, and witnesses if the harassment continues once spoken about to administration.

Almost all workplaces have strict rules against bullying and all you need to do is speak up for yourself instead of hiding it. The moment you do so, you'll be seeing how much affect it has!

Communication is always the best solution, specially at the beginning of problem. To communicate a bullying situation force company to take an attitude. This will also serve to exemplo for other employees and leaders.

Keep a record of bullying incidents, noting dates, times, and details. This documentation can be useful if you need to escalate the issue.

Setting boundaries with a bully can be challenging as the behavior of bullying is an indication of lacking boundaries. It is important to independently prepare yourself for their response. Bullies are going to consider themselves in your boundaries so you may have to regularly repeat them. Most importantly, having clear goals for your boundaries will make it easier to stick to them, even when the bully is not very receptive. The goal of boundary setting is not to change someone's behavior, but rather to clearly communicate your own limits. Using "I" statements to reaffirm this will help you reclaim your power, and minimize the space for the bully to be defensive. Additionally, be concise with your boundaries to avoid confusion.

Don’t let anything rattle your confidence, especially not bullies. Know that they’re the ones who have issues. I find it best to handle these issues yourself if you can. Lean on mentors and sponsors for advice and to stand up for you. You have strength in numbers. Don’t give the bully power by buying any of their BS.

I have found it helpful to practice asserting boundaries with a trusted mentor from outside of the organization ahead of time, if possible. You can practice verbalizing your response, seek feedback, or ask for help in drafting what you want to say, if you aren't sure. Reaching out to someone you trust outside of the organization can help you to access objective perspectives, rather than biased ones from colleagues who may be impacted by the outcome of the conversation. Ultimately, practicing your delivery will also help you to feel more confident when it comes time to have this difficult conversation with the bully. If needed, you may also ask for a neutral mediator to participate in the conversation with you.

Mobbing kann das Selbstvertrauen einer Person erheblich erschüttern und sie dazu bringen, an sich selbst zu zweifeln. In solchen Situationen fällt es schwer, für sich selbst einzustehen und klare Grenzen zu setzen. Die Angst vor weiterem Missbrauch oder negativen Reaktionen von anderen kann lähmend wirken. Es ist wichtig zu verstehen, dass das Fehlen von Grenzen und die Unfähigkeit "Nein" zu sagen nicht auf eine Schwäche oder Versagen der betroffenen Person hinweisen. Vielmehr sind dies Auswirkungen des Mobbings selbst. Es erfordert Zeit und Unterstützung für die betroffene Person, um ihren Selbstwert wieder aufzubauen und ihre innere Stärke zurückzugewinnen.

You must be assertive about the things the person bullying you has said or done to you and the impact on you.lt should be recorded if possible because the bully can deny what he or she said.lt is equally important that you address the issue of bullying stating clearly what the bully did wrongly to you.lt is equally important that you have witnesses to the various incidents.lt equally takes a lot of courage to fight bullying in a system because sometimes people are used to it,so a new person challenging it ,does not go down well with people .

As a career counselor, emphasizing strengths, values, skills, and passions reinforces professional competence. Pursuing personal and professional development goals, like learning new skills or expanding networks, cultivates resilience, motivation, and satisfaction.

The best way to avoid bullying in the workplace is to focus on your work. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and keep working on yourself rather than wasting energy on gossips and unwanted distractions. Work silently as an ant and believe me your achievements will stun everyone one day. Your silence and focus will keep worrying others about "what exactly you are doing". Best example of avoiding bullying and working on yourself is 2023 Nobel Laureaute is Katalin Karikó.

Workplace bullying is natural based on the common human nature. Everyone START their career in more or less the same position. After 2 years the same starter young professional started bullying, lubricating, unethical unseen grouping and back biting each other. Sometimes some seniors also patronize said shameless activists in the workplace. I suggest making a positive vibe and focusing on professional contribution. Self-driving, self development, self confidence, and a self managed positive attitude will help a lot. I follow it in my career. I have to focus on cercle of influence, not circle of concern. I cannot STOP others, but I can choose my response towards them.

Remind yourself why you chose this profession in the first place; does it still fulfil you? If not, you can re-strategise your goals to re-align them with what you have learned about yourself throughout your career. Ensure that you take into account past strengths, new strengths as well as considering strengths you may want to develop.

Brain has 10 lobes. Let us optimise it by using a super combination. Self-love, boundaries with the support of close ones, experts would help in dealing with bullying at work. Discover your unique strengths, develop and contribute to grow in your career. This helps in asserting yourself and shining at work. Our brain has some areas that activated effortlessly may be journalling, reflection or seeking answers within. The other areas that are not easy when activated maximize results. Happy acceleration of your potential and using obstacles as opportunities, converting wounds into wisdom, mess into message and pain to purpose. Smiles.

In a previous job, I faced gaslighting, a form of subtle workplace bullying. Dealing with it was difficult due to the emotional burden. I recognized and acknowledged the reality, sought support, documented problems, had coworkers' support, used different communication channels, leveraged strengths, and stayed optimistic. Eventually, I realized the situation would stay the same. So, I made an exit strategy, which included learning about my employment benefits, starting job searching, updating my resume and LinkedIn, working more on my brand, and expanding my professional network. This strategy helped me put my two-week notice.

It is important for the person to understand that this type of behaviour is unacceptable. And if, after setting his or her boundaries and reporting the behavior, no change occurs, to seek a move to another department or a new workplace. Understanding that there are many other options is incredibly empowering.

When workplace bullying persists, exploring alternatives like requesting a transfer, finding a new job, or starting your own venture becomes crucial. Weighing the pros and cons of staying or leaving empowers informed career decisions considering potential risks and benefits.

Hi In case you are being bullied did you try to befriend the bully by asking 1. "Something about me is upsetting you - what is it" or 2. "Maybe it is something about you that you see in me which triggers you off" 3. "Can we be the best of friends instead"? Tough call to ask these - Many times, the "bully" isn't all that bad as people may be making them out to be! 1. Is the "bully" really silently crying out for some help at some level? 2. Is the perceived "bullying" a revolt against something or a result of an honest misplaced belief? Did you just shoot the messenger down before assessing the above? You will be surprised how quickly bullies become your friend and supporters if handled correctly Warm regards

Options and alternatives are good to know and to be aware of them. We always have alternative. Sometimes is good to talk about your alternatives whith psychologyst or psychoterapist because it is good to have someone outside of the organization who can see clearly without emotional attachment.

Report the bullying and build a support network of people who faced similar issues. Stand up and help each other through this network.

Practice Self-Care: Emphasize the importance of self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and relaxation techniques. Engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being can help clients cope with stress and build resilience.

El primer síntoma que se puede apreciar en la persona que está siendo acosada son rasgos de cambio de humor, comunicación, se la ve menos paciente y evitativa, desde el área de RRHH es importante tener gente que esté en constante contacto con los empleados para pesquisar quien puede estar siendo victima de acoso laboral. El acoso laboral también llamado mobbing, es cuando un empleado de la compañía (usualmente el jefe pero no excluyente) ejerce sobre la víctima un hostigamiento constante que lleva a que la persona pueda desarrollar estrés, angustia, depresión y hasta TEPT. La persona que es acosada debe entender que está en sus manos que la situación cambie y no al revés, y coincido con los puntos del artículo.

Growing up, dealing with bullies (and helping others who are being bullied) was a full time activity at school for me. What worked in school works at the work place as well. Take your bully head on. Don't worry about stuff like physical appearance or office influence or experience and stuff like that. Stand your ground. You may have something to lose by standing up to yourself, but, a bully usually has more to lose. If you cannot face off alone, then, form a group. There is strength in numbers. If things get worse, do not hesitate to reach out to HR, and if that fails, local law enforcement. And, document each and every action, audio, video and even personal diary and journals go a long way in getting people to have your back.

Very simple: 1. If you are being bullied it is because there is something different about you - the problem is not you, the problem is the bully and their perspective! Can you befriend them? 2. To beat a bully, you need a bigger bully - if there isn't one in your organization, try police, and if you can't find a "police" bully", try your local MP or politician 3. Safety in numbers, complaints or escalations are all a myth - an illusion - it just doesn't exist! 4. There are some bullies you won't be able to beat sooner or later - your only choice - join them or relocate. 5. Reporting a bully, naming and shaming them - sooner or later the bully will come back seeking vengeance from which there will be no escape