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Bullying is not something that happens only at school or kindergarten: very often it also occurs at the workplace. There are various types of aggressors who bully one or more people, from outright aggressive individuals to gossips, managers with a bullying manner and sophisticated conspirators. If you suspect or discover bullying is going on in your team and you know who the aggressor is, here are five steps you should take.
As The Muse states, it would be a big mistake to wait. No bullying has ever been solved by passive waiting; on the contrary, that always only makes it worse. Act immediately, and if you manage to stem the problem in its initial phase, the better for all the people involved.
Gather as much objective and verifiable information as possible. Not only will you thus establish what the situation is, but most importantly you will have material prepared for your confrontation with the bully.
Confront the aggressor who is the active bully. It is important you do so without compromise. It is an unpleasant topic, yet you must tackle it head on. State unambiguously to the person concerned the objective facts, why their behaviour is unacceptable and what exactly you expect from them.
If you sense the situation is serious, beyond your competence, or interferes with the rights of other employees, involve the HR department or company management. Stick to objective facts, but do not underestimate the situation.
Whatever the solution (a warning issued to the aggressor, calming things down, transferring the aggressor or dismissing them), you need to monitor events from then on. On your regular one-on-ones with the individuals involved, ensure the situation really has been resolved.
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