Bullying at work

Many of us automatically feel such a concept does not work within the working environment. And yet there are cases that have emerged all of sudden of people getting harassed at work. There have been occasional talk about sexual harassment but not so much of bullying. It may not seem so but it is quite possible.

What bullying actually works on is the mind, specifically the psyche of the person. What you might feel is something to be avoided can take on serious connotations and also lead to serious consequences. If you thought that bullying was only restricted to school, well, then think again! What people make use of in the garb of bullying is making it sound as something you’ve got to learn to gain confidence and master something called professionalism. What may seem as cat calls or calling names to you is actually a minor form of bullying that can lead to you getting harassed day in and day out. This happens quite often as most of our time is spent at work where either calming oneself down or ignoring really doesn’t work.

Violence can also be initiated if bullying is not controlled at the right stage. Although most forms of bullying are restricted to name calling, there could be grave repercussions if not taken care of initially.

How do you deal with bullying

At most times you don’t really get to know that you are being bullied. This either happens because you indulge in an "I don’t care" attitude or don’t want to admit that you are being ridiculed or as in this case, being bullied.

You need to understand that since this is more of a mind game, chances are that you might go through hell, if you meekly had to take in all that was unpleasant around you. Most colleagues don’t mention it up front but have absolute intentions of making life miserable for you. If you take it that you are going to find black crows everywhere, then you’ve already created hell for yourself.

If you look squarely, you’ll probably find a solution out of the rut that you may be in. escalating at the right time and through the right channels may also help you in getting out of the situation. Most people who are first timers at any organization find it difficult to adjust to the situation. They weep and cry them selves to the "nth" level but do nothing about it.

In a situation like this one where you are being bullied, it’s best if you believe that this is one situation that you can get out of and easily so. Remember bullies play havoc in people’s lives only because we allow them to. Most men are the biggest bullies as research proves that the scale of perseverant people is far lesser than women. Women are known to titillate and not bully. Females generally bully the other colleague when they are either unmarried, or are in a truly high rung position.

Escalating the issue can help you get out of a situation like this one. Despite the bully being your senior, its always easy to get bullied and not know what to do. It’s best if you can keep your cool and composure and think straight. It’s rather difficult to do so in this situation but its best if you could at least give it a try.

Physical abuse happens very rarely, but if it does happen, it’s best if you could immediately get a prescription from you doctor. A prescription from your physician acts like a certificate to prove your point in case things get out of hand.

If you need to take up some additional help from your senior who can understand the situation, go ahead and do so. It’s been observed that in situations like these its quite unlikely that you might get the help that you require from your colleagues.

Most training that helps you believe in yourself is pointless if you don’t make an effort to do it yourself. There are some situations that require one to be strongest, especially if the one who’s bullied you has a great rapport with your boss.

Try as much as you can to remain complacent, even though you’ve been bullied. Keep a diary of things that have been told to you, or perhaps the words that you have been slapped with.

Check your style of dressing. Many a times appearances can help you make a fool of yourself and invite bullying.

Walk with confidence and enough knowledge because when you walk with knowledge you never walk alone.

If there are still many chances that the bullying hasn’t stopped, report the matter to the police. Do this only hen you are well equipped with evidence and go ahead to blast the bully after you’ve had an alternate job in hand. We’d like to believe in an optimistic manner that all goes well, but if they don’t, you know what to do in the given situation!