Workplace Courage – by Arnie Wohlgemut
There has been a raised awareness over the past several years about bullying. On occasion the subject about bullying in the workplace appears. The topic is often identified as a manager or supervisor doing the bullying. That is not always the case. I have worked with teams where the bullying also occurs between team members.
Wikipedia defines it as such: Workplace bullying is a persistent pattern of mistreatment from others in the workplace, that causes either physical or emotional harm. It can include such tactics as verbal, nonverbal, psychological, physical abuse and humiliation.
Prabir Jha, Founder and CEO of Prabir Jha People Advisory says workplace bullying happens when we believe someone is more powerful than they really are, and no one dares to speak up. I believe there are solutions to bullying between peers, and here are a few to consider. No matter the situation, you will need courage and conviction.
- Know the difference between influence and power. Miss placed influence or power is usually the starting point!
“Sadly, it’s a common occurrence in business today to witness power and influence being wielded as a weapon. It hurts and destroys. Positive influencers use their power well and wisely.”
Kathy Caprino
2. Speak up. Silence is not a viable option – long term. Those intent on wheeling power through manipulation don’t give up that easy. Stick to the facts and the specific things that you see them doing and hear them saying that are contrary to your role, duties and conviction.
“If you live a life of convictions, you will always exercise the right to speak up.”
Prabir Jha
3. Hold your ground. And your cool. I learned this lesson a long time ago. Being a bystander is not helpful, neither is loosing your composure. When I finally had enough of being pushed around, my back-up style showed up.
“Most people are bystanders–not because they don’t want to stand up, but because they’re afraid to speak up, afraid of repercussions, don’t observe the world around them enough, or simply because they don’t know what to do or say in the moment. To be an upstander among bystanders takes courage and conviction.”
Jennifer Merritt
This your opportunity, draw on your courage and act on your conviction. Bullying hurts everyone.
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