Are You a Bully?

To assess the possibility that you display bullying behaviors, answer the following questions:

• Are you contemptuous of weakness in others?
• Do you raise your voice when you get annoyed?
• Do you spread malicious gossip?
• Do others often dissolve into tears or walk away when you confront them?
• Do you often use sarcasm?
• Do you criticize junior colleagues in front of others?

Every “yes” adds to the risk that you are a bully.

To reduce your risk of being a bully:

• Ensure that your personal development includes self-awareness work.
• Organize a 360-degree appraisal for yourself, ensuring that at least 10 people take part and that anonymity is assured.   Include some colleagues or employees you don’t get along with.
• Attend a course on bullying and harassment in the workplace.
• Encourage team development training that celebrates difference.
• Deal with work overload and staff shortages in your area.

From “Who’s a bully then?” Elisabeth Paice and Jenny Firth-Cosens, 2003.