In most offices, bullying at work may not necessarily mean a colleague physical threatening or manhandling you. It could be as naive as trying to impose their individual responsibilities on you, or making the workplace environment unfit for growth and motivation.
1. Learn to say no
Bullies are attracted to people who cannot say no. So if you've struggled to turn down a 'request' from your senior or your colleague on more than a couple of occasions, chances are you are going to be the next target (if you aren't one already). The next time someone tries to palm off their job on to you, turn them down. Be polite but be firm.
You will realise that saying 'No' is empowering in itself.
2. Don't get intimidated
Intimidation is a bully's favourite method. They will try everything in their power -- be it their proximity to your boss or the fact that they are your superiors -- to get their way. Stay calm and don't get intimidated. Hold your ground.
3. Don't get emotional
Bullies derive their strength by making people cry or lose their temper. The moment you break down, the bully wins. If you lose your temper, there's a good chance your bully will use it against you. When you get emotional in such a scenario you also tend to lose perspective. Don't let that happen.
4. Document the bullying
Jot down the details of the time you were bullied and list out the people who were witness to it.
Should you want to escalate the matter to the HR, these finer details will come handy.
5. Seek help
There is a good possibility you aren't the only person being bullied. Seek out others who may have faced a similar problem. Ask for their advice and how they dealt with it. You are bound to find stories like your own. If they haven't raised their voice, encourage them to do so because there is strength in numbers.
6. Approach the HR
If things have got out of control, approach the HR. Treat your meeting with the HR as being extremely important. When you approach them, tread lightly because there is a possibility that your bully might in fact be in their good books. This might end up backfiring on you. Your meeting with the HR is not a counselling session. You are not here to confess. State the facts as they happened. List out witnesses, if any.
7. Don't ever think your bully will change
We often believe in the innate goodness of people. But remember that the inherent nature of a person cannot change. If you are expecting your bully and you to live happily ever after, forget it!
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