Workplace Bully

When dealing with a workplace bully or all-round difficult person who steals an idea in front of an unknowing group, or who snipes about your work performance, either in front of others or to your face, say, "Can you repeat that, I want to make sure I capture it accurately?", while taking out your pen and paper. It puts the fear of a defensive action into the difficult employee, the fear of not resolving workplace issues into managers and can be explained away if it's offered in a tactful way, as mere "notetaking in a meeting" or for future "idea generation/stimulation".

It definitely sends a message that you're not taking anymore of what they're offering, in a clear enough manner to warrant a reduction of the ugly behaviour, while at the same time if challenged on it, it can be explained in a context of professionalism and neutrality, so that you're not seen as the instigator of further trouble for your superiors.


Melissa Flick
Career Counsellor/Consultant
Career Discovery

Melissa Flick is an experienced and trained career counsellor and executive coach, who works with individuals and organizations on change management, team building and career development. Melissa is an engaging public speaker who has been featured on C.B.C television and in articles in The Toronto Star and the Canadian Press.

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