Bullying Helplines

Photo by Eddie-S

I’ll bet a pound to a penny that at some time in your life you have been bullied in some way.

Bullying is the default mode of the autocratic leadership style that predominates in most organisations from schools to the workplace and even beyond into our retirement years. So the likelihood is that you have been a victim at some time.

I don’t mean to suggest that the experience scarred or cowed you for life, just that it happened. And it was probably a not very pleasant experience. What I ask is that you speak out and support victims and campaigns to help prevent bullying whenever you get an opportunity.

Bullies thrive on secrecy. It is only by exposing bullies and bullying incidents that we can hope to overcome this menacing behaviour.

How to Deal With Bullying

As it was the current news about bullying emanating from Number 10 that spurred me to write this article, I should perhaps start by mentioning helplines.

If you feel the need to contact a helpline Bullying UK is well established and one of the best of the bullying helplines.

As I was the victim of some severe bullying at my first boarding school, both by the Jesuit masters and the other boys, I have always taken a healthy interest in the subject.

The way I protected myself from peer group bullying was to join a gang. This gave me protection from “lone raider” bullies and it also provided witnesses should anyone attack. However it gave no protection against the priests. (I must say here that I was NOT the victim of any sexual harassmet by the priests, just over-zealous, and frequently unnecessary use of the cane.)

In the workplace any victim of bullying can use similar “group protection” tactics by, wherever possible, ensuring that they are not on their own in the presence of a bully. Bullies relish one-on-one meetings with no witnesses.

You should also record, in writing, every incidence of bullying which affects you, record any witnesses and any facts about the event which will help others to recall it. You can get more advice about how to deal with bullying by telephoning the ACAS helpline on 08457 47 47 47 or contacting Bullying Online who offer a wealth of resources.

Please don’t fall into the trap that ensnares so many victims of becoming a habitual victim. Come out now and speak up both for yourself and for the sake of others who may not be able to help themselves.

Oh yes, and when you are in a leadership position yourself please do not adopt a bullying, autocratic leadership style. Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

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