Bullies don’t disappear when they become adults. They just move to a new playground.
You’d think in an era as political correct and risk sensitive as ours, that bullying in the workplace would be a more distant memory than a stadium full of screaming fans for Huey Lewis and the News. However, it still exists for a variety of reasons – not the least of which is that bullying tactics often work. Ask anyone who has ever worked in retail, and they’ll tell you that the people that most often get what they want are those that are the rudest and the nastiest.
There is only one way to deal a bully, and it requires taking him or her out at the knees before they get entirely worked up and out of control. When confronted by a bully it is good to have some ready-to-go responses that will make the bully more confused than your dog when you pretend to throw the ball, but hide it behind your back.
Here are some suggestions:
- “Have you had your rabies shot, because that foam coming out of your mouth is bad sign.”
- “If I was as (short/fat/bald/ugly) as you, I’d probably be angry too”
- “Does someone need a hug? Come on over here, you big lug.”
- “And that’s what happens when we don’t get our meds adjusted right.”
- “My best suggestion would be that you move to a jurisdiction where marijuana is legal, and you keep a 3-finger baggy available for times like this.”
- “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” (clap, clap)
- “Mama always said, ‘Stupid is as stupid does’”
- “Let’s use our words in a way that people will want to listen to us.”
- “The anger-management class is two floors down, and doesn’t start for another hour.”
- “I’m telling my mom”
In the best case scenario, such a comment should shut the bully down. But even in the worst case scenario, it will put them off guard long enough for you to call security.
We’re joking here, of course. A bully in the workplace is a serious issue that causes havoc and stress for everyone involved. However, a skilled manager can successfully gain the upper hand and take control of the situation.
The Dealing With Bullies at Work Video and Cheat Sheet combo was just added to the Wily Manager membership area, and it’s one of over 90 topics available now.
In it, we explain how to deal with the two radically different types of bullies you’ll encounter on the job. Armed with this insight, you’ll be able to shut down a bully’s attack and restore peace at work.
Become a member and get 8 free bonus gifts worth $187, plus instant access to all the existing tools and advice already available in the members-only area. It’s jam-packed with Videos, Cheat Sheets, and other tools…and new content is added each and every week.
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