Deliver Justice to Any Bully THIS WAY.

Dealing with a workplace bully requires firm pushback, careful documentation, and potentially seeking new employment, especially when management fails to address severe harassment.

• Do not tolerate severe bullying; assertively push back against unacceptable behavior.

• Document offensive conduct and be prepared to escalate issues, considering recording interactions.

• Recognize when workplace culture or leadership fails to support you and prepare for alternative employment.

A financial professional, who is a Jujitsu practitioner, faces three years of escalating, offensive bullying from a sales team member, including sexual comments about his family. Despite formal complaints, management's response is dismissive, prompting advice to assertively challenge the bully, document behavior, and consider leaving the company due to the lack of support and unacceptable workplace culture.

Handling a Workplace Bully

• 00:02:54 When confronted by a persistent workplace bully, direct and firm pushback is essential. It is advised to not be intimidated and to set clear boundaries, even if it means prioritizing the bully's tasks last. This approach aims to demonstrate an unwillingness to be pushed around, particularly when the behavior includes highly personal and offensive remarks about family members.

• 00:04:39 Maintaining the 'high ground' is crucial when dealing with a bully, ensuring that any actions taken are justifiable and professional. While direct retaliation by unfairly denying commissions is not recommended, it is important to be prepared to escalate issues through the chain of command with evidence. Simultaneously, preparing a resume is a wise step, as a workplace that tolerates such severe bullying indicates a toxic environment and lack of support from leadership.

• 00:07:07 To counter a bully's unacceptable behavior, covertly recording interactions can be a viable option, especially when the actions are deliberately out of line and not merely a lapse in judgment. Alternatively, openly stating that conversations are being recorded for 'quality assurance' can serve as a deterrent and provide admissible evidence. This creates a boundary and a 'bark' that signals a refusal to be disrespected, much like a dog guarding its home.

• 00:11:54 A lack of pushback or 'bark' can inadvertently enable a bully, allowing their offensive behavior to escalate because they receive no feedback or consequences. Some individuals may have a naturally crass sense of humor that, without proper boundaries, can turn increasingly mean and personal. Setting clear limits and providing consistent feedback acts as a necessary 'speed bump' to curb unacceptable conduct and prevent it from becoming normalized within the workplace culture.