| A friend of mine laments that work would be great if | | | | them, and they will leave you alone.The law requires |
| only there were no other people there! No matter | | | | workplaces to be free from hostility. If you have a |
| where we work, we will work with others. Often, | | | | problem don't just sit back and take it. Make your |
| those relationships are cordial if not friendly, but there | | | | boundaries clear and let your manager know what is |
| can be challenges. You will not love all of your | | | | happening. Your manager is responsible for maintaining |
| co-workers, and some will be downright nasty.Bullying | | | | the peace and calm in the office, but he or she can't if |
| doesn't just happen in schools. More frequent incidents | | | | they do not know there is a problem.You deserve to |
| of co-workers who bully others are being reported. | | | | work in a safe environment. If you find yourself in |
| When co-workers turn nasty it can make for an | | | | anything less, be proactive and work on changing it. If |
| uncomfortable, if not dangerous, working environment; | | | | being proactive doesn't help, start looking for another |
| but there are ways to handle the situation so that it | | | | position within the organization, or a job with a different |
| doesn't get out of hand.Set clear boundaries. If you | | | | company. Unfortunately, if the company tolerates |
| don't set limits and let the co-worker know that their | | | | bullying, there is little chance that you will be able to |
| behavior is unacceptable, you can bet it will continue. | | | | make significant changes. Whatever you do, keep in |
| Let the offender know that you will not accept their | | | | mind that you don't have to take it. When it comes to |
| behavior by saying things such as, "It is not okay for | | | | bullying, create a no tolerance standard for |
| you to talk to me like that," or "I don't appreciate being | | | | yourself.Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD, is a |
| treated this way. I will not tolerate it." This lets the bully | | | | Certified Master Coach specializing in working with |
| know that you will not tolerate such behavior. If it | | | | business owners and professionals in being more |
| continues, report the bully to your supervisor and | | | | profitable and productive while staying sane and |
| company security.Don't fight back. The saying "Fight | | | | balanced. Coach Lee is the publisher of the award |
| fire with fire" in this case is dangerous. Often the bully | | | | winning e-zine, 365 Days of Coaching. Her first book, |
| is simply trying to engage you, so if you fight back it will | | | | 365 Days of Coaching - Because Life Happens Every |
| escalate the situation. If need be, remove yourself | | | | Day (Universal Publisher, 2004) was named a finalist |
| from the room and avoid contact with the bully as | | | | for Best Book 2004 by and has a five star rating on |
| much as possible. Letting the bully know you will not | | | | Visit Coach Lee at her websites and Direction, Inc. |
| play their game will often take the fun out of it for | | | | |