As the ‘victim’: You need assertion skills to be able to express yourself to the offender at the time it happens. Often you may think what to say in hindsight after the event – so practice what to say to be ready for the next time it happens. Rehearse your assertive responses with a friend or colleague. Keep a diary of the incidents.
As the witness: It is your duty to tell someone what you have witnessed – a contact person or a senior (it may be the direct manager doing the bullying). It’s not about ‘dobbing in’, it’s about the discomfort you feel by being in a team where the behaviour is tacitly condoned.
As the manager: It is your responsibility to state your expectations about the standards of behaviour your want to see in your team; to be consistent; to recognise your duty of care and the maintenance of a healthy workplace.
Each of these characters needs to find the words to express themselves. Our on-line Bullying and Harassment program gives examples of the words and phrases that can work for you – whether you are the victim, the witness or the manager. You’ll see a video case study, discussion of the opportunities to intervene and materials that help you navigate solutions to bullying and harassment in your workplace.
It is the behaviour of individuals, combined with policies, that will make a difference.