Behind the Desk: How to Identify a Workplace Bully
Workplace bullies often exhibit certain behaviors and traits that create a hostile work environment. Here are the key characteristics to watch out for:
1. Frequent Criticism
Bullies often nitpick or criticize others unnecessarily, focusing on faults rather than achievements.
2. Control and Manipulation
They use power to micromanage or manipulate tasks, creating stress and making others feel powerless.
3. Exclusion
Deliberately leaving someone out of meetings, emails, or team activities to isolate them.
4. Spreading Gossip
Engaging in rumors to damage someone's reputation or credibility.
5. Intimidation
Using aggressive language, threats, or body language to instill fear.
6. Setting Others Up to Fail
Withholding important information, assigning impossible deadlines, or creating unrealistic expectations.
7. Undermining Confidence
Constantly downplaying someone's abilities, making sarcastic remarks, or ridiculing them publicly.
8. Shifting Blame
Refusing to take responsibility and instead blaming others for mistakes or failures.
9. Favoritism
Favoring certain employees while treating others unfairly, creating division within the team.
10. Persistent Targeting
Picking on the same individual(s) repeatedly, making them the focus of negativity.
How to Respond:
If you recognize these behaviors in your workplace, it's important to address them. Speak to HR, seek support, and encourage a culture of respect and accountability. Together, we can create healthier work environments where everyone thrives!
Purity Warui Kibet EnockAurelia Chepkoech Anna Ngwiri
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