There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. Let's turn on the light to change our toxic environments.
A bully is a creature of habit. In order for someone to be classified a bully, the behaviour must be continuous, persistent and systematic.
Bullying is behaviour that is unwelcome; it can be displayed over a short or longer period; there is a target; there is always an imbalance of power; it is behaviour that intends to harm the target and/or those around the target.
Bullying is NOT a difference in opinion between equals; it is not a single incident; it is not a personality clash or personality style clash; it is not issuing legitimate workplace instructions.
The power the bully has over you makes the body sick; it is contagious; it spreads; it makes the environment toxic. Verbal abuse - Offensive conduct/behaviours (including non-verbal) which are threatening, humiliating, or intimidating Work interference — sabotage — which prevents work from getting done.
How do you deal with workplace bullying? There are four recognizable stages:
Recognition; Response; Recovery; and Renewal.
Bullying can happen in any working environment. It can have a disastrous impact on your health and your ability to do your job properly. The persistent and repeated negative behaviour directed at a target creates an emotional war zone and leaves you feeling frustrated, helpless and overwhelmed.