I was recently doing some research for a client and happened to come across a grossly appalling research article. It claimed that that people who bully suffer from “adult bullying syndrome.”
I have some major problems with this.
First, the way the author describes bullies villainizes them. There is so, so, so much research that clearly shows people bully because of their environment. They feel threatened by something, and the culture allows the bullying, and they’ve probably learned it along the way from someone else. Saying bullies have a syndrome makes them victims, and that excuses their behavior.
Second, making a sweeping generalization about people who bully is careless and irresponsible. It is the job of psychologists and psychiatrists to determine syndromes within their individual patients. By offering this up, the author is claiming all people who bully have the same characteristics, and therefore we can say they all have a syndrome. Yikes!
And third, if we start saying people who bully should be diagnosed with a syndrome, then we provide them with the ability to claim accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Is that what we want – everyone has to endure bullying because “the bully” has a syndrome? And do we want people diagnosing their co-workers? I think not!
I see so much misinformation about workplace bullying out there, and I see a lot of bad advice about how to solve the problem of workplace bullying.
That’s why I’m going to teach you everything I know about how to solve workplace bullying. I’ve been consulting and training on the topic long enough to know what works and what doesn’t, and I’m going to give it all to you.
I want to give you the tools that give you the power and resources to end workplace bullying in your own organization.
We’ll talk about why people bully, we’ll discuss the organization’s role, and we’ll discuss how to “sell” the problem of bullying to the C-Suite. I’ll teach you how to audit an organization, how to provide training to create a more positive workplace, and how to coach leaders through culture change.
You’ll walk away with everything you need to end workplace bullying.
If you’re interested, click here to fill out an application. I will follow up with a phone call.
The course will take place in lovely downtown San Diego, CA, on December 5 and 6, 2016.
I am only accepting 10 attendees, so claim your spot ASAP by filling out the application.
Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Civility Partners
Your partner in building a positive workplace so your employees can thrive
www.CivilityPartners.com
