How to Control the Workplace Bully

We've all seen it. Most offices today have that single person (or maybe a group of people) with aggressive tendencies, who think nothing of stepping on the toes of others if they see the possibility for their own advancement. They're more concerned with getting that next raise or promotion than they are with getting the job done correctly or helping the company advance. However they show up, without a doubt it's one of the most difficult situations for all involved, greatly impeding productivity and creating headaches out of nowhere for management (read: you) to deal with.

Bullying doesn't always have to take an "in-your-face" approach. Often it can take on the form of more subtle, but equally disruptive, approach. People who use more subtle manipulation over brute tactics to gain control of a situation are no less aggressive, they just don't always let the "grownups", or management, see what they're doing. They're still acting to bend the situation in their favor, often at the expense of others or the company.

In either case, passive-aggressive behavior abounds: the bully will do their best to make those around them pity them, or feel guilty over making decisions that don't give them a direct benefit. They'll often use humor as a lethal weapon, putting others down or otherwise speaking inappropriately to degrade their ideas. In more extreme situations some will take it a step further, resorting to physical violence or other similar intimidation tactics.

In order to manage the situation, you need to understand the underlying cause. Whether the manipulation is subtle or overt, it all comes down to control. The bully feels the need to gain the upper hand in the workplace at whatever the cost. If they're in control, they feel empowered, no matter how empty that sense of power is. The more people they can control, the more empowered the feel, and the greater their need for control grows.

So how do you handle these manipulative time bombs? As a manager, it's up to you to keep these people in line for the sake of the workplace. If you see the more overt types of bullying, take steps immediately to stop it in its tracks. Most forms of physical intimidation are illegal, so look into your local laws to determine the appropriate action.

Also, keep your own actions in mind. Is there anything you do that seems manipulative or controlling? If so, no matter what steps you take to cap the bullying actions of others, you'll be seen as a hypocrite in the eyes of your subordinates.

Finally, remember that many people have learned to be manipulative because they don't know of any other way to communicate. Offer seminars to help your staff communicate more effectively, but don't make attendance mandatory; people who are ordered to attend such a meeting will never grasp the concept behind it.

By working with your employees to conquer bullying in the workplace, you'll both establish a calmer atmosphere and let your staff know their well-being is important to you. This will create a more positive atmosphere for your office, which in turn will boost productivity overall.