Bullying – It’s not just ‘personal’

When having to face or address the issue of workplace bullying, common reactions include thinking that the:

• problem is strictly a matter between two individuals,

• behaviour is nothing more than a personality clash, or

• complainant was simply tired and/or emotional that day and probably over-reacted.

That may be so, but to simply dismiss the matter without further thought or action would be a mistake.

Bullying is not necessarily just about two individuals

Just because the behaviour being complained about has taken place between two individuals, doesn’t mean that the matter begins and ends with them.

You need to ask yourself why that behaviour occurred in the first place.

It may be because there are unrealistic expectations being placed on one or both of those individuals or it may be that something unexpected has happened in the workplace and it’s ‘all hands on deck’.

Both of those instances are examples of poor work design (poor organisational behaviour).

Don’t dismiss it as simply a ‘personality clash’ or an ‘overreaction’

All behaviours in the workplace need to be appropriate, but even appropriate behaviours can be misinterpreted. This is where having good communication skills comes in handy.

If you would like to learn more about different communication styles and tips for adapting the way you communicate towards each of those styles, check out our webinar: How Communication Shapes Psychosocial Safety in the Workplace.