What To Do When A Co-Worker
Turns Nasty
A friend of mine laments that work would be great
if only there were no other people there. No matter where we
work we will work with others. Oftentimes those relationships
are cordial if not friendly, but there can be challenges. You
will not love all your co-workers, and some will be downright
nasty.
Bullying doesn't just happen in schools. More
frequent incidents of co-workers who bully others are being
reported. When co-workers turn nasty it can make for an uncomfortable
if not dangerous working environment; but there are ways to
handle the situation so that it doesn't get out of hand.
Set clear boundaries. If you don't set limits
and let the co-worker know their behavior is unacceptable you
can bet it will continue. Let the offender know that you will
not accept their behavior by saying things such as, "It
is not okay for you to talk to me like that," or "I
don't appreciate being treated this way. I will not tolerate
it." This lets the bully know that you will not tolerate
such behavior. If it continues report the bully to your supervisor
and company security.
Don't fight back. The saying "Fight fire
with fire" in this case is dangerous. Often the bully is
simply trying to engage you, so if you fight back it will escalate
the situation. If need be remove yourself from the room and
avoid contact with the bully as much as possible. Letting the
bully know you will not play their game will often take the
fun out of it for them, and they will leave you alone.
The law requires workplaces to be free from hostility.
If you have a problem don't just sit back and take it. Make
your boundaries clear and let your manager know what is happening.
Your manager is responsible for maintaining the peace and calm
in the office, but he or she can't if they do not know there
is a problem.
You deserve to work in a safe environment. If
you find yourself in anything less, be proactive and work on
changing it. If being proactive doesn't help, start looking
for another position within the company or a job with a different
company. Unfortunately, if the company tolerates bullying, there
is little chance you will be able to make significant changes.
Whatever you do, keep in mind that you don't have to take it.
When it comes to bullying create a no tolerance standard for
yourself.
Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD provides daily motivation,
information and inspiration to thousands of busy self development
enthusiast who want to stay focused and on track to their goals
through her award winning e-zine 365 Days of Coaching. For a
free report, "The Power of Daily Action - How to create
more Wealth, Health and Happiness by Tapping Into the Power
of Daily Action" go to http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/daily_action.htm.
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2004 True Direction, Inc.
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