May 7, 2008
I haven’t blogged here for a while but a recent comment made me think about the last six months and reflect on what has… or hasn’t happened.
In my workplace the bully is still working. He suffers from depression which might explain some of his behaviour.
The new girl who asked me not to intervene lasted out the year and we gave her another job with another team where she is thriving.
I’ve moved on to another job too and now I’m not the direct line manager of the bully – thankfully.
Interestingly that relieved the pressure somewhat.
When questioned the bully told my boss that “it wasn’t personal, it was the position”. Funny. It felt personal to me.
In fact I did go for my previous position but didn’t get it (I got another slightly better job instead) but I wondered if my bosses decision to place me in this new role was in part due to my “relationship” with this bully. Perhaps she thought it was unrepairable?
The workplace is such a hot pot. A stewing mass of emotions hidden under a veneer of productivity.
I wonder if we scratched the surface of all workplaces if we would find the same human response to working in a group of people you don’t necessarily choose?
What’s it like at your workplace?
Entry Filed under: bullying, workplace. Tags: bully, bullying, changing role, emotions, workplace.
1. Amy | June 30, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Greetings, I was glad to find your blog this morning. Many people have been through what you have been through. Have you read the book by the Namies? Feel free to link to my blog: theworkplacebully.blogspot.com. I will add your Blog to my list of Notable Blogs.
2. workplacebullyingsucks | July 5, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I was glad to find your blog. I have just done a workplacebullyone too. Writing helps deal with it. I have subscribed.
3. workplacebullyingsucks | July 5, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Often the bully still works there.. curious.
4. Potato Chip | December 15, 2008 at 9:52 am
Haven’t been here for a while. It is interesting to read everyone’s comments. I sadly have left a career I loved and was good at because of workplace bullying.
The manager’s impression was to protect the bully because “it” was good for business. The manager did not want to remove the bully becaue he rated well. I quit that department in a terrible state of health and went to another. It was in the same building – so eventually I left. I did later apply for a fantastic job there and had great ideas – but pulled out of the interview because I felt sick when I imagined myself going to work and having to sit at a desk in an open plan office near “Mr Bully” and his pack of dumb disciples. I new the manager would not bother to have the guts to be decisive on bullying the workplace because history shows a lack of action on this topic.
As is the usual case for people affected by bullying at work – I made all sorts of excuses for not wanting to work there anymore because I did not feel supported when discussing bullying. Meanwhile I was screaming on the inside by th ehumiliation of being bullied. I told some people in HR and they didn’t even blink. I don’t think they took it seriously. Psychologiacal bullying is very serious – because others can’t see it happening.
The problem is some managers think it’s “me” that has some problem because I moved into other positions to avoind that floor.
I know others have been bullied by the same “Mr Bully”. They have been left in tears.
I was once afraid of my job and career potential if I rocked the boat and made a complaint. I could have gone a long way in my career, but I have been emotionally destroyed. It got to the stage where I had to plan my day so that I could avoid this high profile bully at work – checking the time I would arrive to ensure I didn’t bump into him in the corridor or lift. Checking the time I would head to the cafe – knowing he would not be there at that time. He spread nasty rumours and I just felt so vunerable and lost all confidence in my skills. Yet I am highly skilled!.
I am no longer afraid to tell everyone the workplace. It is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation – Yes our ABC! Workplace bullying at this particular office is one of “Aunty’s” hidden shames. Yet the manager appears oblivious…but certainly not unaware of “Mr Bully”.