First, you need to decide if the behavior is “management” or “bullying.”  Ask yourself the following questions:

1.  Was the likely intention of the perpetrator:

(A) To improve your performance, serve students or protect patients, manage resources, or other reasonable goal?
(B) To belittle or harm you, or strengthen his/her own power base?

2.  Was the behavior:

(A) An isolated event?
(B) Part of a regular or repeated pattern?

3.  Is it personal or general?

(A) Do other people describe similar treatment?
(B) Is this behavior directed only at you?

The more times your answer “B,” the more likely it is that you are being bullied.

What to do?

If you have had a bad experience but don’t think it is bullying, you have the choice of:

• Taking no action, providing it does not occur again.
• Standing up for yourself if it does happen again (this can be extremely effective).
• Speaking directly to the individual concerned.

In speaking to the individual, consider the following guidelines:

• Speak to the person in private or with a chosen companion.
• Explain how his/her behavior makes you feel.

If you decide you are being bullied, you have the choice of:

• Taking no action.
• Seeking help from a senior colleague, human resources, counseling, and/or the Ombuds Office.

From “Tips on…What to do if you are being bullied,” Anita Houghton, 2003.