Short of leaving your job, there are a growing number of resources to help if you or someone you know suffers from workplace bullying. More states are exploring or enacting anti-bullying bills, also known as “healthy workplace” legislation. And while not all companies have Google’s “Don’t Be Evil” slogan, more companies are securing the services of organizational psychologists to offer consultation, workshops, training, and education.
Effectively telling your story
A big challenge in resolving workplace bullying is getting support. Coworkers or higher-ups might not believe it when they hear about it, or the person reporting the problem might be considered petty or difficult. The following tips are adapted from the Project for Wellness and Work-Life’s 2007 publication How to Bust the Office Bully. These tips offers ways to tell your story as effectively as possible:
Consider making an outline to help you tell the story in a logical and organized way and highlight key points or important events.
Keep emotions in check
Bullying is upsetting, but your story will be better received if you remain calm. Research has found that targets were considered less believable if they showed negative emotions while sharing their story.
It’s difficult to remember details, especially when you are upset. By documenting abuse as it happens, using a calendar to piece together events, and writing down what you report to your supervisors, you can keep your story straight.
Avoid sharing details that might seem unrelated to the actions of the bully.
Emphasize your talents and skills
Targets are sometimes viewed as “problem employees,” so it’s important to highlight your strengths and career successes and why you were hired in the first place.
Show understanding of others’ points of view
You’ll sound even more reasonable if you acknowledge that the bully may not recognize how her actions have affected you and that you know that what you are saying may be hard to believe.
Use clear, specific, concrete language and examples when you tell your story.