The recent stories about accusations of bullying in the workplace made me think about my own experience. I too was being bullied at work. The issue of bullying is all too often one persons word against another. While I was often praised by my team and even those above me there was one manager (who I wasn’t working directly under) who did everything to make my job difficult. Her treatment was so severe I would questioned if I was good enough to be able to do the job. She attacked my confidence, frequently undermine my authority and worse actually plotted so I would fail. The worst feeling was being powerless. After I made my first complaint, we were told to sit down and talk it through. She never apologised. And although she admitted to doing those things she argued that I was oversensitive and only criticised my work to make me better. All I wanted was to do my job without the fear of what she was going to do next. But she had got away with it and became even more spiteful. One afternoon she decided to have me investigated because I couldn’t complete a task for her then and there. Her bullying was disguised behind excuses of my sensitive feelings and the way the company has to work. Basically belittling my feelings and making it my issue ‘to get over.’
Of course, if she wasn’t guilty she would have stopped to think about her actions and the impact they had. Instead she deflected all responsibility. We have a choice about how we speak to people. How we choose as managers to get the best from those we work with.  And yet the more I succeed, the more difficult she would make it, the harder I had to work. I was exhausted. I had worked throughout Covid. Doing extra hours and on a reduced team. She would still create an unpleasant working environment. I kept my upset to myself. As I knew no one would support me and I didn’t want to add to the stress of an already very stressful situation. Her intention was always for me to leave and unfortunately her behaviour affected me so much that eventually I did.
How to overcome bullying
If you are currently going through this, I’m truly sorry. I know how it has effected me. It’s taken me to the brink of my mental health and even now the hurt I feel is beyond words. Especially when I’ve given this company my time, dedicated and loyalty - to be unequivocally let down is jarring. But there are ways to cope.
You’re better than you realise
Remember the most likely reason for their bullying is that they are jealous. To put it boldly- you’re better than them. If someone is trying to hold you down it’s because you’ll be going up and far exceeding them.
Change environment
If you want to remain in the company look for a transfer or a different project/ department. Anything that keeps you away from your antagonist.
It maybe the shot in the arm to advance your career
I realise you’ll be feeling weak after your experience but start looking for a new job. It can give you a sense of control. There are opportunities out there, don’t feel trapped. 
Pity the idiot
Is someone decides they wish to put more energy into bringing people down than raising themselves up - then you got to ask yourself. Is such a low life worth your concern? You’ll go on to achieve great things while they remain sinking in their own bitterness.
As for me, I'm far happier now. I can finally pursue the career I've want to go after for years. I may not like how I left but I'm so thankful I did.
Remember the best revenge is to be happy and indifferent to them. Good luck to you
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