What is Workplace Bullying?

You are a good worker, you are dedicated to company goals, you do all that you're asked and even go the extra mile when needed. You work overtime and sacrifice personal time for the sake of contributing to the success of the company you've invested in. So why do you have the feeling that you could be fired at any moment?


Chances are you are the target of a bullying boss. Nearly 40% of US workers have had this experience and most of the time it leads to termination. Why do bosses target their most loyal and hardest working staff ? a = Because they can, and are allowed to by management. Bullying bosses are insecure and use bullying as a way to gain or stay in control. The goal is to push your buttons and create a situation where you make a mistake or under-perform...then they pounce. Next thing you know, you're walking past your co-workers with your office belongings in a box as security leads you out the front door.

What are common tactics bullying bosses use ? here's the top ten list of tactics...

1. Blame for "errors" - you may have performed hundreds of tasks properly, but the bully boss only points out the one thing you did that was different than what he expected.

2. Unreasonable job demands - piling on work, forcing ridiculous hours, assigning work unrelated to your position or department.

3. Criticism of ability - nitpicking, belittling comments, asking accusing questions then walking away before you can answer.

4. Inconsistent compliance with rules - acts as he/she pleases but expects you to toe tow the line, allows favored staff to get away with things you aren't allowed to.

5. Threatens job loss - points how how "lucky" you are to have a job, makes vague comments like "you're running out of time", or "this is the most serious conversation I can have with you".

6. Insults and put downs - in private or in front of peers and co-workers including "positioning" other staff ahead of you in meetings, using gossip, spreading rumors and lies.

7. Discounting/denial of accomplishment - especially effective during review cycles, fails to report role to upper management, acts as a gatekeeper for all information, skews facts to fit his/her needs.

8. Exclusion "icing out" - informs staff but not you, fails to communicate no matter what you try, shows dishonest/false concern for issues, shows blatant self-interest during discussions, etc.

9. Yelling, screaming - when cornered with facts tries to bluster his way past with temper tantrums, screams to show his authority, yells to put you down (in front of others).

10. Stealing credit - takes credit (and promotions) for teamwork, takes credit for your efforts and accomplishments, promotes efforts of others not you,


This summer I was invited to attend the 6th International Conference on Workplace Bullying in Montreal. More than 200 researchers and activists attended, and 170 presentations were made. You can watch the trailer i put together and see some of the interviews we shot.

Bullying in the workforce is a global problem. Some countries have passed laws banning bullying behaviors, others such as the United States are behind the curve in dealing with this issue that affects nearly 40% of US workers.

In countries that have passed anti-workplace bullying laws, bullying has become a socially unacceptable behavior, in addition to being against the law. Perhaps lawmakers in America will follow suit and pass legislation protecting workers who go to work and do their jobs.


I hope to produce a feature documentary on this subject with the help of Drs. Gary and Ruth Namie of the Workplace Bullying Institute. If you would like to contribute funds for this effort, please let me know, email me today. By bringing awareness and stopping workplace bullying, we can put an end to the behaviors that make workplaces positive experience for all employees. Passing laws will send a clear message - managers who bully their staff are illegal and companies who tolerate bullying behavior are liable for damages.