Confront a Workplace Bully

by Mindy Pelton

     Shea’s, Lloyd’s and Namie’s definitions of bullying behavior focus on different aspects. It is no wonder victim’s advocacy groups find it difficult to agree on a common definition, considering the many variables associated with what Namie calls “the silent epidemic.”. If individuals are to name the behavior, our society must lead the way by actually naming the behavior, as well as creating and enforcing sanctions against it.

     The hospital x-ray technician met her match the day she tried her bullying routine on Murphy. Before she could complete her patient intake interview, the technician pressured, “Are you done yet?”

     “Excuse me?” Murphy challenged. “Did you say something to me, because I dare you to repeat that!” 

     Visibly surprised, the technician responded, “Oh, sorry. I thought you were done.”

     Murphy regretted her former silence after seeing how easily the woman cowered.

     In reality, bullies can only attempt to influence, not control, the actions of others.

     “If you see yourself being targeted, put a stop to it,” because there is no stopping point for a bully, Lloyd said. “The longer it goes on, the worse it gets, every time.”