Coping with Workplace Bullying 3

Bullying, in any form, should not be condoned in the 21^st century, yet it still exists in far too many organisations. It can be devastating for the individual being harassed, as well as impact on the overall productivity of the business.

If you are being bullied and cannot accept (adapt to) it or change it, then the final alternative is to leave. It’s not always possible, but the best thing for one’s career, mental and physical health; and sanity is to find a new job as soon as possible.

A positive outcome very rarely happens for people who try to stick it out with a bullying boss. The only regret that most people end up having is not having left the toxic situation sooner. However, this is possibly easier said than done in the current climate.

If you are given a proper exit interview, then have the courage to say why you are leaving. I would recommend planning your response, so it can be delivered in a rational, evidence-based way. It is then more likely to be listened to. It is as important to leave with a good impression as to arrive.

The worst thing would be to go through the emotional and financial upheaval of moving to a new job, only to find the problem has come with you. From your experience, you can check out at interview stage what the ethics and culture of the new business are. That way you can avoid jumping from the ‘frying pan into the fire’.

If you move and life is better, then congratulations for having the courage to value yourself enough to get out of the negative environment. I wish you every success.

To all managers and leaders, I urge you to stamp out the humiliating impact of bullying wherever it  arises.

These three articles have been written from my own experiences and with the help of contributors from The Emotional Intelligence Network on LinkedIn. I thank you all for your wise words.