Tag Archives: hostile workplace environment

Suing A Bully Boss

Posted on by
5

[This is Part I of an excerpt from Janice Harper’s new book, Mobbed! A Survival Guide to Adult Bullying and Mobbing. Harper advises against suing — but if you find yourself in that situation she offers advice that may well help you understand what’s happening to you. Part II will continue with how to prepare. These are just excerpts, her book goes into much greater detail on internal & external investigations, coping tactics, new ways to understand what’s happening to you and much much more. Let us know if it helped you… ] Continue reading →

Bullied at Work? You’re Not To Blame

Posted on by
Reply

Why are some adults more likely to blame themselves rather than the bully boss bearing down on them? A recent study links self-blame (guilt) to depression and shows that this dangerous combo inhibits the ability to express indignation. The first piece of advice most targets of workplace bullying encounter when they seek help is the important mantra that it’s not their fault. This should be coupled at every turn with “seek counseling” to deal with the depression that often accompanies bullying and can lock targets into a feeling of hopelessness rather than seeking proactive solutions or leaving. Continue reading →

Working for a Bully? “Hold On Tight To Your Dreams”

Posted on by
Reply

Dr. Susan has a great article with tips on how to hang onto the most important survival tool you have: hope. She includes this song in her list of favorite resources for keeping strong while facing an office bully. PLAY IT LOUD. PLAY IT OVER AND OVER.
  Continue reading →

Workplace Bullying: Is there a solution?

Posted on by
1

So, here we are again.  It’s 2012 and we’re coming to the end of yet another legislative session.   Massachusetts still holds great promise in being the first state to pass the Healthy Workplace Bill even as a rapidly approaching deadline, July 31st, ticks closer.  I spoke with the office of Ellen Story, the HWB’s sponsor, and they told me that they really want to pass some form of legislation on this issue.  Originally they tried to pass a study bill but it died.  So when the HWB became available they grabbed it.  Yes, it’s written in a way that greatly favors the employer more so than the person seeking damages but at least the victim/target can get unemployment.  That’s what they told me.  But, the real question is can the HWB or any other legislation fix workplace bullying?  Here’s an article written by an Australian researcher who’s dedicated over 10 years trying to figure out what can.  Her findings are sobering.  Whatever state legislators accomplish it is time for the Obama Administration and the Department of Labor to bring clarity to this issue on a national level: Continue reading →

Your Manager Is a Bully (but You Aren’t Helpless)

Posted on by
Reply

Browsing through the digital libray I found this great  NY Times Career Couch column from way back in 2007 and it deserves another read especially if you’re starting to wonder if that boss of yours is a bully:

Q. Your boss regularly berates you in department meetings, and the behavior is starting to become offensive to you. What should you do?

A. Think before you act. John McKee, president of Four Windows No Walls Consulting, a consulting firm in Sedalia, Colo., says that although it is never acceptable for a boss to belittle employees, reacting emotionally can prompt you to do something you will regret. Continue reading →

Take Action To Stop Workplace Bullying

Posted on by
Reply

It’s a cyber wall of corporate shame.  Thousands of victims of abusive workplaces have left their tragic tales on a national petition demanding a solution for this silent epidemic.

Find your representative and send them a copy of the Care2 petition bearing over 7600 signatures.  Ask them to join the fight to stop workplace bullying.  If you’ve experienced this abuse first hand or have expertise in this area you can add your own information as well.  Continue reading →