Imagine a bully.
It’s probably a big strong dude with a scowl and his fists raised, right?
That image may be outdated:
Thirty-five percent of Americans reported being bullied at work, according to a 2010 survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute. Women make much nastier office bullies than men, says psychologist Dr. Gary Namie, co-founder of the Institute.
I wonder if any workplace bullying happens at the Workplace Bullying Institute.
It’s bad out there, folks:
Debra Falzoi, a communications coordinator who was terrorized by a female boss at a Boston university, says:
“My female bully lied and gossiped about me and others. She used all indirect tactics. I have seen men also use indirect bullying tactics, but they’re much less frequent, and they have seemed solely to protect their ego rather than proactive moves to sabotage.
Falzoi eventually quit her job after reporting the harassment. Her boss did nothing, despite multiple complaints against the same woman.
It’s the psychological stuff. Men just can’t get as psychological as women can.
“Women bullies will often befriend you and then air all your secrets later, in boardrooms or at office gatherings. I’ve had patients that just can’t trust again after being humiliated like that at work,” says Dr. Namie. The problem persists, as there are no anti-bullying ethics or law in practice, unlike legal protection against sexual harassment or racial discrimination. Less than one percent of co-workers will stand up when they see their colleagues tormented, fearing their own jobs.
It’s not like women bullies just punch each other or spill something on another dude’s shirt, like a guy would. Airing secrets? That’s pretty evil.
It sounds like the Bully Wears Prada.
