0. WORKPLACE BULLYING PROTECTING YOURSELF AT WORK (Instructor Version)
Braathe Enterprises
Virtual Internship Program 2014
Karen Garcia
Amanda Jones
Darcy Socha
Ileana Wilburg
Instructors begins with with an introduction of him/herself and the topic
Activity:
Icebreaker

1. Activity:
Watch video:
Discuss (instructor)

2. Objectives Define workplace bullying
Discuss facts and figures on workplace bullying
Identify the signs or examples of bullying
Describe what is not considered workplace bullying
Distinguish the difference between bullying, harassment and assault
Who is targeted for bullying, in the workplace?
The Effects of Bullying: How the victim is affected. How the workplace is affected
Discuss the laws lacking in the workplace
Apply the No A-hole Rule to the workplace
Activity (do before going over objectives):
One Minute Paper/Free Write: ask participants to write for 1-2 minutes on his/her top 5 items/objectives they would like to see covered in this workshop.

3. What is bullying?
Bullying is any behavior that is unwelcome, offensive, inequitable, unsolicited or objectionable. It can be physical, mental, verbal, sexual or racial. (Kane, S., n.d.)
Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behaviour, abuse of power, or unfair punishment which upsets, threatens and/or humiliates the recipient(s), undermining their self-confidence, reputation and ability to perform. (Tim Field Foundation, n.d.)
Activity (before sharing/going over definition):
Reciprocal question: Have a few students describe bullying in his/her own words

4. What is workplace bullying?
Acts or verbal comments that can mentally hurt or isolate a person in the workplace. It can involve negative physical contact. They are repeated incidents and can be described as the assertion of power through aggression.
(CCOHS, n.d.)
Activity:
Watch video:
Discuss (instructor)

5. Examples of Workplace Bullying
Intimidating a person
Undermining or deliberately impeding a person's work
Constantly changing work guidelines
Underwork - creating a feeling of uselessness
Unwarranted (or undeserved) punishment
Blocking applications for training, leave or promotion
(CCOHS, n.d.)
( mgkid.com)
Activity (before sharing list with the class):
Group activity (break out into small groups). Have groups list other examples/expand upon list of examples of bullying, via posters/whiteboard (in 5-10 minutes, as many as possible).
Full list:
Spreading malicious rumours, gossip, or innuendo that is not true.
Excluding or isolating someone socially.
Intimidating a person.
Undermining or deliberately impeding a person's work.
Physically abusing or threatening abuse.
Removing areas of responsibilities without cause.
Constantly changing work guidelines.
Establishing impossible deadlines that will set up the individual to fail.
Withholding necessary information or purposefully giving the wrong information.
Making jokes that are 'obviously offensive' by spoken word or .
Intruding on a person's privacy by pestering, spying or stalking.
Assigning unreasonable duties or workload which are unfavourable to one person (in a way that creates unnecessary pressure).
Underwork - creating a feeling of uselessness.
Yelling or using profanity.
Criticising a person persistently or constantly.
Belittling a person's opinions.
Unwarranted (or undeserved) punishment.
Blocking applications for training, leave or promotion.
Tampering with a person's personal belongings or work equipment

6. Facts
Bullying is not a one time incident; it is persistent and repeated behavior
Law firms are typical breeding grounds for bullying
Women are typically targeted for workplace bullying, more so than men.
It affects both employees and companies
(Kane, n.d-b)
Activity:
Discuss (whole class)

7. Figures
In 2007:
In the US, about 37% of workers have been bullied at the office
49% when witnesses are included
About 45% of the individuals targeted suffer stress-related problems
Companies then have to pay employee turnover and workers’ comp.
Bullying hurts more than sexual harassment
In 2014:
About 27% of Americans have been bullied at work
21% have witnessed an incident of workplace bullying
(Van Dusen, A., 2008; Richardson, L., 2014)
Activity:
Discuss (instructor)

8. Signs that you are being bullied
Outside Work
Feeling ill the night before the start of the work week
Family’s request to stop obsessing about work at home
Feeling too ashamed of being controlled by another person
Paid time off is used for mental health breaks
Time off is spent exhausted and lifeless, the desire to do anything is gone
(Workplace Bullying Institute, n.d.)
Activity:
Combine slide 10 and 11 and have students answer (as a whole) particular questions on the signs of bullying. This will help engage student in explaining new concepts, as well as consider how/where to apply the concepts to their own thinking/work setting (Spend ten minutes on activity).

9. Signs that you are being bullied
At Work
The work is never good enough for the boss
Constantly feeling agitated and anxious, experiencing a sense of doom, waiting for bad things to happen
People scream or yell at the individual in front of others, yet the person is punished if he or she scream back
All individuals in the office agree the tormentor is a jerk, but there is nothing they will do about him/her
Requested transfers to an open position under another boss is mysteriously denied
(Workplace Bullying Institute, n.d.)
Activity:
Combine slide 10 and 11 and have students answer (as a whole) particular questions on the signs of bullying. This will help engage student in explaining new concepts, as well as consider how/where to apply the concepts to their own thinking/work setting (Spend ten minutes on activity).

10. What is not workplace bullying
Manager who shouts at or criticizes all of his or her employees
Co-worker who is critical of everything
Takes credit for successes
Passes blame for mistakes
Frequently makes hurtful comments or jokes about others
Constructive feedback
Reasonable management and direction of workers
(Bullying in the Workplace, n.d: Workplace Bullying, n.d.)
Activity:
Group activity (break out into individual groups) - learners will role play with a focus on what is and what is not Workplace Bullying and implement strategies to address bullying behaviour.
Discuss (whole class)
Full list:
A manager who shouts at or criticizes all of his or her employees. While this is a sign of a bad manager and makes a workplace unpleasant, it is not bullying unless only one or a few individuals are being unjustifiably singled out.
A co-worker who is critical of everything, always takes credit for successes and passes blame for mistakes, and/or frequently makes hurtful comments or jokes about others. Unless these actions are directed at one individual, they represent poor social skills, but not bullying.
Offering constructive feedback, guidance, or advice about work‑related behaviour.
Reasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers or the place of employment (e.g., managing a worker's performance, taking reasonable disciplinary actions, assigning work).

11. Differences The difference between bullying, harassment and assault:
Harassment and assault comes from a small number of fairly serious incidents
Negative comments or actions based on a person's gender, ethnicity, religion, or other legally protected status
Bullying certainly looks and feels like harassment.
Video: Work Place Bullying
(Allen, n.d; Workplace Bullying Institute, n.d.; Workplace Bullying, n.d.)
Activity:
Watch video
Discuss (whole class)
Full list:
Harassment and assault comes from a small number of fairly serious incidents while bullying is an accumulation of small incidents over a long period of time.
Negative comments or actions that are based on a person's gender, ethnicity, religion, or other legally protected status. This is considered harassment and, unlike bullying, is illegal in the United States and gives the victim legal rights to stop the behavior.
Bullying certainly looks and feels like harassment. Harassing is commonly understood (defined as systematic, annoying, and continued actions which include threats and demands; creating a hostile situation by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct).

12. What employers can do Develop a comprehensive anti-bullying policy
Clarify that severe disciplinary consequences
Create a well communicated process
Periodically train all employees
(Baltimore Business Journal, n.d.)
(Clker.com)
Activity:
Group activity (break out into individual groups). List other ways/expand on what employers can prevent bullying (via posters/whiteboards)
Discuss (whole class)
Full list:
Develop a comprehensive anti-bullying policy which is part of your overall workplace harassment policy.
Clarify that severe disciplinary consequences may result from any provable bullying behavior.
Create a well communicated process that employees can utilize in making complaints and assure that no retaliation can result from the utilization of such process.
Periodically train all employees, supervisors and rank-and-file employees on the concepts of bullying and what behavior will be prohibited in the workplace.

13. Who gets targeted by bullies at work?
In the bully's mind, you pose a threat to him or her if you are:
Independent
Well-liked
have strong social skills
Empathetic & Nurturing
Ethical
Honest
Non-confrontive
Nurturing personalities are the easiest targets at work.
Insecure bosses and coworkers can not stand to see you recognized for your talent. Bully bosses will steal credit for work that you did.
(Namie, n.d)
(Bullyonline.org)
Activity:
Discuss (whole class)

14. Laws Lacking in the Workplace
Victims of workplace bullying do not necessarily fall into a protected classification
Employers should promote and implement anti-bullying policies
Workplace bullying is not addressed by existing law
Creating a private right of action
Creating a mechanism for injunctive relief
State enforcement
(Baltimore Business Journal, n.d.; Workplace Bullying, n.d.)
(Imgkid.com)
Activity:
Scenarios/Case Studies: Provide participants with an example of the issue/topic of Laws Lacking in the Workplace. The students can briefly present their findings to the whole group or the can also develop their own models for remedying workplace bullying for discussion and analysis.
Full list:
Victims of workplace bullying do not necessarily fall into a protected classification. However, they may find some protection through state common law torts like intentional infliction of emotional distress or battery.
While there are no federal or state statutes prohibiting bullying, employers should promote and implement anti-bullying policies. Additionally, twenty-one states have introduced workplace bullying legislation known as The Healthy Workplace Bill but no laws have been enacted.
Since workplace bullying is not addressed by existing law, many groups advocate the need for additional laws regarding workplace harassment and abusive conduct. Various models for remedying workplace bullying have been proposed include:
Creating a private right of action that would include the recovery of damages.
Creating a mechanism for injunctive relief similar to those relating to stalking, hate crimes or relief-from-abuse orders.
State enforcement similar to employment discrimination laws

15. Characteristics of a bully
Bullies may display some or all of these personality characteristics:
Lack of empathy - Bullies feel no remorse for their victims. When questioned about a bullying incident, bullies will typically blame the victim, and they will show no remorse.
Dr. Jekyl and Mr, Hyde - Bullies appear to have a sweet demeanor when witnesses are present. In the absence of a witness, bullies are mean and vindictive to their victims.
Excellent liars ,and manipulators- “Highly skilled in social manipulation”
Bullies make excuses for their behavior and thus are able to secure positions of authority in the organization.
(De Guzman, 2012)
Activity:
Discuss (instructor)
♣ “Unpopular manager. Statistics say 72 per cent of workplace bullies are those in a position of power. Be mindful of supervisors or managers whose staff members seem unmotivated or spending more time off work. If you have workers from the same department who keep asking to be transferred out of that department, it could be an indication that their leader may be a bully.”

16. How bullying affects the victim
In an interview with ABC News, Gary Namie, the Workplace Bullying Institute director, calls workplace bullying "psychological violence." (Brooke, J. n.d.)
Workplace bullying can have devastating effects on a person's:
self-esteem
confidence
well-being
physical health
(Brooke, 2014)
Activity:
Discuss (whole class)
Full list
Self-Esteem & Confidence - most victims of bullying blame themselves for the behavior. They try to improve their workplace performance to avoid the criticism and threats. Victims are afraid to take a stand for themselves. They become anxious,guilt ridden and self-loathing.
Victims experience thoughts of suicide,believing that the abuse is somehow deserved. They no longer trust in their own self-worth.
Physical Effects - Victims of workplace bullying experience stress and excessive worry. This may lead to headaches, stomachaches, symptoms of fibromyalgia. A lower sense of well being due to depression and feelings of helplessness.
There is a link between bullying and increased work absences, sickness, low job performance and lower productivity.
Brooke, J. (2014). The effects of a workplace bully. Chron. Retrieved from: smallbusiness.chron.com › … ›

17. How bullying affects the company
Workplace bullying can be bad for business, it can lead to:
Reduced Productivity
Lost Time
Employee Turnover
The company could develop a bad reputation
Loss of Innovation
Legal Costs
Rehabilitation Costs
(Bullying Statistics, 2013)
Activity:
Scenarios/Case Studies: Provide students with examples of losses business face. Have the students briefly present their findings to the whole group.

18. Remember, your personal health takes priority!
Faced with Bullying?
Workplace Bullying Institute 3-Step Method:
Name it
Take time to heal and launch a counterattack
Expose the bully
Video: How to deal with workplace bullying
Remember, your personal health takes priority!
(Namie, G. & Namie, R., n.d.)
Activities:
Watch video(s)
Additional video:
Discuss (whole class)
Full list:
Step 1- Choose a name for the situation to offset the effect of being told that because your problem is not illegal, you cannot have a problem. This can make the victim self-blame himself and anxiety begins.
Step 2- When taking sick leave or short-term disability, accomplish these 5 steps:
Check your mental health with a professional.
Check your physical health. Stress-related problems many times to not carry any warning signals.
Research state and federal legal options on bullying cases and talk to an attorney.
Make the bottom-line business case for stopping the bully. See our detailed Estimating Costs of Bullying Worksheet.
Start searching for a new job position.
Step 3- Expose the Bully
The real risk was sustained when you were first targeted (Targets lose their job - involuntarily or by choice for their health's sake - in 77.7% of cases). It is no riskier to attempt to dislodge the bully. Retaliation is a certainty. Have your escape route planned in advance. Remember, good employers purge bullies, most promote them.
Make the business case that the bully is "too expensive to keep." Present the data gathered (in Step 2) to let the highest level person you can reach (not HR) know about the bully's impact on the organization. Obviously in family-owned, or small businesses, this is impossible (so leave once targeted).
Stick to the bottom line. If you drift into tales about the emotional impact of the bully's harassment, you will be discounted and discredited.
Give the employer one chance. If they side with the bully because of personal friendship ("he's a great conversationalist and a lunch buddy") or rationalize the mistreatment ("you have to understand that that is just how she is"), you will have to leave the job for your health's sake. However, some employers are looking for reasons to purge their very difficult bully. You are the internal consultant with the necessary information. Help good employers purge.
The nature of your departure — either bringing sunshine to the dark side or leaving shrouded in silent shame — determines how long it takes you to rebound and get that next job, to function fully and to restore compromised health. Tell everyone about the petty tyrant for your health's sake. You have nothing to be ashamed about. You were only doing the job you once loved.

19. Witnessed Bullying? What to do if you are a witness to bullying:
Stand in plain view of the bully
Keep detailed, factual records
Offer support to the victim
Help the victim prepare
Go with the victim
(ALIS, n.d.)
(Justiceyoudeserve.com)
Activity (partners or small groups):
Instructor presents a problem to the class/group on being a witness to bullying
Have partners or small groups apply the presented information to address the problem and discuss with the whole class
Full list:
Gather co-workers and stand in plain view of the bully. The bully will be aware of the bystanders witnessing the behaviour and the victim will feel supported
Keep detailed, factual records of any bullying incidents
Offer support to the victim and encourage him or her to take action
Help the victim prepare to meet with or write to the bully
Go with the victim to meet with a supervisor or speak with the bully about the behavior

20. The No A-hole Rule Video: BNET Book Brief: The No Asshole Rule
Are you dealing with an A-hole?
Two quick test to determine if you are dealing with an A-hole
Are you an A-hole? Take the test to find out:
(Asshole Rating Self-Exam, n.d.; BNET Book Brief, n.d.; Sutton, 2010)
Activities:
Watch videos
Instructor pull up link and have class take the test “Are you an A-hole? as a class project/discussion.
Discuss results (quick test and the A-hole test)
Two quick test to determine if you are dealing with an A-hole:
After talking to the alleged a-hole, does the target feel oppressed, humiliated, belittled or de-energized by the person? Does the target, as a result, feel worse about him or herself?
Does the alleged a-hole aim his or her venom at people who are less powerful rather than at those who are more powerful?

21. Why Every Workplace Needs the No A-hole Rule
Mean-spirited people do massive damage to victims and bystanders
Devastating effects
Coworkers, family, friends suffer ripple effect
The a-hole are victims of his/her own action
Cost damage to the organization
Damage to the organizations reputation
(Sutton, 2010)
Chapter 2 of the book
Activity:
Discuss (instructor)
Full list:
Mean-spirited people do massive damage to victims and bystanders
The effects are devastating because they weaken or destroy people of their energy and esteem
Coworkers, family, friends who see or hear about these incidents suffer ripple effect (conflict with loved ones)
The a-hole are victims of his/her own action. He/she suffers from career setbacks and humiliation
The damage down to the organization by the a-hole is the costs of increased turnover, absenteeism, decreased commitment to work and the distraction and impaired individual performance
The damage to the organizations reputation could drive away potential employees and shake investor confidence

22. True Stories
“Bullying is a big issue for both children and adults because there are some very real mental, emotional and physical health problems that can result. Victims of bullying can experience depression, anxiety and stress.” (KHTV, n.d.)
Real stories:
Video: ABC News
Video: Walmart-CBC
Activities:
Watch videos
Possibly watch additional video on How to deal with workplace bullying:
Share/discuss true stories (whole class)

23. Conclusion Workplace bullying is a serious problem
Victims of bullying can be found in all walks of life
Even though someone may not be the victim of a bully does not mean he or she is not involved. Everyone feels the impact!
Prevention is possible with more understanding and education
Although there are not laws set to prevent bullying, there are steps that can be taken to combat it.
Activity (ties in entire workshop and opens discussion on uncovered topics):
Break out into small groups or do individually. Instructs students to list:
3 ideas/issues etc. presented
2 examples or uses of the idea/information covered
1 unresolved/remaining question/area of possible confusion

24. References
ALIS - Tip Sheets. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Asshole Rating Self-Exam (ARSE) - Are You A Certified Asshole? - A Service of Electric Pulp. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Brooke, J. (2014). The effects of a workplace bully. Chron. Retrieved from: smallbusiness.chron.com
Bullying Legislation - Bullying Laws - Anti-Bullying Legislation in the United States. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttp://legalcareers.about.com/od/careertrends/a/Bullying-Legislation.htm
Bullying Statistics (2013). Workplace Bullying. Retrieved from:
CCOHS. Bullying in the Workplace : OSH Answers. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
De Guzman, ML. (2012) Profile of a workplace bully. Canadian Occupational Health and Safety. ohscomply.com. Retrieved from:
Fowler, J. (2012). Financial Impacts of Workplace Bullying. Investopedia. Retrieved from:
Frequently Asked Questions | Workplace Bullying Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Indicators You May Be a Target of Workplace Bullying | Workplace Bullying Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Kane, S. (n.d.). True Stories of Workplace Bullying. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Kane, S. (n.d.-a). Types of bullying in the workplace. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Kane, S. (n.d.-b). Workplace bullying - Bullying facts and figures. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from

25. KTHV. (n. d. ). How to deal with workplace bullying
KTHV. (n.d.). How to deal with workplace bullying. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Namie, G., & Namie, R. (n.d.). Are you being bullied at work? | Workplace Bullying Institute. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Namie, G. (n.d.) Who gets targeted why me? The Workplace Bullying Institute. Retrieved from:
Richardson, L. (May 11, 2014). Bullies can make a workplace toxic | Business Desk. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Sutton, R. I. (2010). The no asshole rule: building a civilized workplace and surviving one that isn’t (1st trade ed.). New York: Business Plus.
Tim Field Foundation. (n.d.). Most people only realize they’re being bullied when they read this page; what is bullying, how to recognise bullies and injury to health. Bully Online. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Van Dusen, A. (March 24, 2008). Ten Signs You’re Being Bullied At Work - Forbes. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Workplace Bullying - Bullying Facts and Figures. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Workplace Bullying - Bullying Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Workplace bullying is legal, but here are 4 ways you can stop it - Baltimore Business Journal. (n.d.). Retrieved from

26. Videos
BNET Book Brief: The No Asshole Rule - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Bully Free At Work: The Facts on Workplace Bullying - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
David Allen - Work Place Bullying - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Workplace Bullying - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Workplace Bullying at Wal-Mart-CBC - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2014, from
Photo credits
Images For Physical Bullying Clipart (n.d.). Retrieved from
No-bullying clip art - vector clip art online, royalty free & public domain. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Workplace Bullying | Bullying Lawyer | Omaha Lincoln Personal Injury. (n.d.). Retrieved from