Recognize the characteristics of a bully in the workplace and learn how to manage them to avoid unnecessary stress in your life!
Bullies are everywhere: at school, at work, at the grocery store on the corner … But sometimes a bully can be where you least expect it: inside yourself.
Look at the characteristics of a bully in the workplace and how to fight them
1 – Control, Control, Control
This is probably one of the main characteristics of a bully in the workplace. The need to control others comes from a basic insecurity that we are not good enough. Because aggressors cannot raise their own self-esteem, they try to have others do it for them. This lack of self-esteem creates a sense of inner chaos. As a result, the aggressors try to control everything they can, whether it is a situation or someone else. Many times they end with the trust of the other person, in order to increase their own. As long as they feel they have the power, they do not feel threatened.
If you feel you need to control others, it is time to self-examine. Do the people in your life make you question your self-esteem? And why? Once you determine the answer, it is best to set boundaries with these people. By setting boundaries with others, you create a healthy barrier that protects your self-esteem.
Or, do you feel that someone who is at the same rank as you tries to control you? You should face them and tell them that you’re all the same at the workplace.
2 – Victim of impulses
Bullies cannot control their emotions. When they feel an emotion like anger or fear, they do not care or think about the consequences of their words or actions, which results in lashing out and hurting those around them.
One way to combat this is to be in tune with your personal fears and not just work on them, but additionally be able to recognize them when activated. Tell yourself that while you have the right to be angry, you also have the option of not letting anger control you. This is the first step toward self-calmness.
If someone at your workplace takes it out on you, try to calm them down first. Then, explain to them that their behavior is not appropriate for the workplace and that they need to control their anger.
3 – No empathy
Believe it or not, lack of empathy goes from feeling pain or anguish from others leading to emotional exhaustion. Because this pain is uncomfortable, some people block it, creating a distance between them and other people. They no longer see others as individuals, instead label them, which in turn makes it easier to cause suffering.
The best way to regain some empathy is to recognize that each person is an individual with their own life problems. Open to the other person. Try to find the common points that exist between the two. Allow yourself to feel your pain. This will bring a sense of compassion, which in turn creates feelings of peace and well-being.
The same goes if the bully is not you but your coworker. Try to show them some empathy and let them become close with you in their own way.
4 – Zero responsibility
Bullies are always the victim. They never take responsibility for their words or actions and always have someone else to blame. If they attack and cause harm to someone, it is the other person’s fault. Ironically, they also see themselves as the hero.
The best way to fight this line of thought is to show responsibility for your actions. Admitting that there could have been a healthier way of responding to a negative situation is the right choice. Yes, the other person might have done something to hurt you, but you have to take responsibility for your own mistakes. Ask yourself: How could you have handled the situation better?
If the bully is your coworker, try to reason them stating the obvious: who was wrong. They may not see it at the moment, but when they reflect, they might come to senses and apologize.
5 – Intolerance
Bullies tend to see others not as individuals, but as factions that fall into one of two categories: “I like” and “I do not like”. The “I do not like” group is persecuted and demonized. Why? Because of the prejudices and the stereotyped differences. This harmful form of thinking can be extended to all aspects of life, from race or religion to politics. In social networks, for example, it is not uncommon to see these diverse groups struggling with perceived differences.
How can this be overcome? Take a step back and recognize that people are allowed to have a different point of view. Instead of attacking someone for their different beliefs, try to understand their thought patterns. You can be pleasantly surprised.
The same goes if you’re being bullied. Ask the person of their religious or political views, and state your own. Then ask them the question: are we really that much different? The answer lies in your hearts.
Read more: Effects Of Positive Thinking On Health Improvement
Please SHARE this important health information about characteristics of a bully in the workplace with your friends and family. Thank you!