Bully In Workplace

Workplace bullying is alive and well. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, 27% of respondents to a 2014 survey had current or previous experience with workplace bullying, while 72% were aware of workplace bullying incidents. But all bullies are not the same. They often have different styles and approaches. Some may even be hybrids of different types. Here are some of the most common:

AGGRESSIVE JERK

This angry bully thrives on and excels at insults and name calling. This type of bully isn’t concerned with keeping a low profile–they’re hard to miss because of their bombastic style. They’ll embarrass and humiliate you in front of others, and are often in a position of authority or have some other sort of power that allows them to do so.

SCORCHED-EARTH FIGHTER

This type of bully is cutthroat with a relentless need to come out on top. But it’s not enough to win—his or her opponent has to lose. Scorched-Earthers pull out all the stops to make sure that the victims in their sites are hurt in some way. Many cyberbullies fall into this category, she says.

SPINELESS SUPERVISOR

Some bullies carry out their activities under the guise of “just doing what they’re told. The spineless supervisor agrees to do anything that management wants to get rid of employees—good employees—for reasons that have nothing to do with work. If a worker is likely to file a workers’ compensation or other claim, the Spineless Supervisor may try to intimidate or fire the person instead of dealing with the problem.

SHAPE-SHIFTER

When you tell others about the bullying you’ve experienced at the hands of this person, they may have a hard time believing you. The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality differences make the Shape-Shifter seem like two different people. This bully is charming to those they seek to take advantage of or who offer opportunity to them, “but they’ve got their claws out for anyone else.

CHARACTER ASSASSIN

This gossipy bully tells stories and defames you behind your back. This bully can be particularly dangerous, because your reputation may be damaged before you know it’s even happening or can defend yourself.