THE OFFICE BULLY
She went out of her way to get close to new people. They never knew what hit them. She was warm and a great listener. In return new employees divulged private life information Like Paul Revere she told everyone what she knew. It was her power. Those that “obeyed” her did not get hurt. Those that ignored her, or were new, were shamed or bullied. She was extremely close to the big dogs in management. She could laugh with them, and tell them in a relaxed way all she knew about employees. Sometimes she told lies to make her self look better. Management only had eyes for her..
AT TIMES THOSE SHE TORTURED COMPLAINED. {They were ignored.}
The game of power was very political for her. Her demeanor, at first gracious, warm and caring was pure manipulation. Once in a while a tortured victim would run to the office to complain about her. Human Resources and Management listened. They too smiled and acted as if they cared. They didn’t. Sometimes, much to her pleasure, the victim was the one fired or scolded. At times the mistreated one just walked out of the company never to look back.
THE OTHER WORKERS JOINED HER SIDE. {OR ELSE}.
She had a rule and it was this: “Whom ever I call “best friend” shall not talk to anyone else.” “Boundaries”, were enforced. She watched her “best friends” constantly for betrayal. She became convinced that anyone talking privately with someone else but her, was talking behind her back. At lunch all her “best friends” sat with her and hung on her every word. It was easier this way. She was the focus. It was her greatest fear that she be treated like she treated others. If all her friends sat where she could keep an eye on them, she could be quite fun. But always she kept a list of who they could speak to or not. This list included management, whom also respected her silent boundaries and made her “chosen few” their favorite employees as well.
HOW TO AVOID THE COMPANY BULLY
- No one needs to know your private information at work
- Do not trust so quickly those that ask many questions
- Observe well at break the dynamics of groups.
- It is wise to not gossip, You just never know who seeks clout.
- The bully has many boundaries. So must you right from the start.
- Having boundaries means warm smiles, but making people earn your friendship.
- When new, smile warmly and keep private.