If an NFL Player Can Be Bullied, So Can You…Here’s How to Deal

Workplace bullying is once again front and center in the local media, as well as making national headlines. Just recently, Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin left the team complaining he had been the target of racially tinged bullying by fellow lineman Richie Incognito.

Whether he was bullied or not, we don’t know. The facts will come out during an investigation. But it does bring up some interesting issues – including what really constitutes bullying and how to deal with it in the workplace.

If you’re facing an issue related to bullying at work, here are some steps to take to help you deal with it:

Take Stock

As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami, Future Force can tell you that your first step should be to determine whether the situation is truly an instance of workplace bullying.

For instance, did you get into a heated disagreement one time with a co-worker? Did a customer treat you poorly? Did the boss criticize your work? While these kinds of situations are certainly unpleasant, they’re not instances of bullying. However, if your boss regularly criticizes your work and then belittles you by calling you nasty names, then that is bullying.

Stand Up 

If you don’t, then there’s no reason for the bully to stop their behavior. The trick is to remain diplomatic and not stoop to their level (think screaming and ranting) when you’re responding. Try to diffuse the situation with calm and rational words – “Please let me know when you’re ready to speak to me in a more appropriate manner.” – and then walk away.

Also, set your boundaries in a clear and consistent manner to let your bully know you won’t stand for their behavior anymore.

Write It Down

Whenever you do have an incident with a workplace bully, be sure to write it down. Keep notes about when it happened, what the bully said and what you said in response. If things go downhill fast, you have the documentation to back up your claims of workplace bullying, complete with clear and specific examples of it.

Find Out

Many workplaces have company policies on how to report incidents of bullying and harassment. So check your employee handbook for information on yours. If the bullying continues to escalate, then it’s time to get your superiors involved.

Before you do, make sure you have your documentation in order. Also, when talking to them, try to keep your emotions in check. Calmly describe the situation, backing it up with facts and examples, including how it’s impacting your productivity.

Jump Ship

If the bullying issue doesn’t get resolved in a timely manner or in a way you’re comfortable with, then it’s time to move on. It’s not good for your career or your health to stay in a position where you feel threatened or upset at work on a regular basis. And there are plenty of employers out there looking for skilled, dependable and professional people to put to work.

If you’d like expert help finding a new job – one that’s in a healthy workplace environment, give Future Force a call. As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami, we can work with you to get to know your background and skills, and then place you in rewarding opportunities at some of the top companies in the area.

Simply contact us today to get the process started.