The Secret’s Out: The Mean Kids in School Today Will Become the Workplace Bullies Tomorrow

Lately, I have been hearing more and more about the topic of bullying. Obviously, it is no longer one of the best kept secrets as it used to be; in fact, it seems more like it is heading toward an epidemic than it is simply being exposed. The questions that need to be asked are: How likely are the mean kids that are enrolled in schools today heading towards becoming the workplace bullies of tomorrow? From my point of view I would have to say it is very likely.

In the Schools

In elementary school, we will sometimes dismiss actions of the playground bully as being innocent child play. Parents are quick to say, “Oh, you know how kids are.” Or “It’s just innocent playing.” But lately, sadly, that is not necessarily the case. Look at Phoebe Prince, a girl who committed suicide after repeatedly being bullied by her classmates. To make matters worse, one of the “cyber bully” moms blamed the victim stating that she called her daughter names. . http://www.newser.com/story/84778/bullys-mom-blames-dead-girl-for-own-suicide.html

The reality is that these same kids will eventually become adults who are going to enter the workplace and exhibit some of the same behaviors they are currently exhibiting in schools. Like a lot of workplaces, the school leaders have an obligation to “manage” their students and act on reports of a problem, yet in most cases where bullying is involved, they did nothing to stop the problem. The system and the leaders failed and were ineffective.

In the Workplace

Some experts will say that bullies enjoy tearing people down which makes them feel more confident, more superior and more in control, while others will say that the bully may actually see their abusive and assertive behavior as a sign of effective leadership.

The Workplace Bullying Institute has conducted and published very interesting research and is working hard to bring a bad situation to light. They also have provided insights that I feel are worth sharing regarding what bullying is and startling statistics that reinforces their point.


What is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace Bullying was defined as repeated mistreatment. It is not simply incivility, rudeness or misperceptions. It is repeated mistreatment: sabotage by others that prevented work from getting done, verbal abuse, threatening conduct, intimidation, humiliation.

Key Findings

• 37% of workers have been bullied
• Most bullies are bosses (72%)
• 60% of bullies are women
• Women bullies target women in 71% of cases
• Bullying is 4 times more prevalent than illegal harassment
• 62% of employers ignore the problem
• 45% of Targets suffer stress-related health problems
• 40% of bullied individuals never tell their employers
• Only 3% of bullied people file lawsuits
Source:
http://www.workplacebullying.org/research/zogbyflyer_2010.pdf

What can Organizations Do?

1. If you do not currently have anti- harassment policy in place that addresses bullying behavior, the time has come to put one in place.
2. Communicate your policies and zero tolerance concerning bullying and other types of harassment throughout all levels of the organization.
3. Provide training and hold leaders accountable for their actions and the actions of their employees.
4. Be familiar with tactics commonly used by bullies. If you see it going on in your organization, address it immediately. (http://xpectresults.blogspot.com/2010/03/workplace-bullying-or-simply.html)
5. Screen prospective leadership candidates carefully as part of your recruitment and hiring practice, ensuring that they have they ability to lead and motivate others (assessment tools are a great place to start).
6. If and when a bully slips through the cracks, address the behaviors immediately; do not wait for them to make improvements on their own.
7. Lastly, if you witness or are experiencing bullying in the workplace, act immediately and bring it to the attention of people in the organization that can do something about it.

Regardless of your title or position in an organization, workplace bulling is not okay under any circumstances.