Whether it's at work or in your social life, bullying can happen to anyone. In fact, Forbes magazine reports that 37% of workers, or about 54 million people, have been bullied at work, so it is more widespread than one might imagine. The best way to stop being bullied as an adult is to hearken back to the same advice that is give to children when they are being bullied. Taking a stand, telling someone or staying with a group can help you stay strong and protected from bullies in your adult life.
Step 1
Stand up to the bully and be assertive without being aggressive, advises KidsHealth.org. Even as adults, bullies prey on those who are weaker than them. Standing up to a bully just once can prove to him that you won't be pushed around. Just saying once, "Knock it off" or "Quit it" loudly enough so that others can hear may be enough to stop the behavior. Avoid bullying back or becoming physically aggressive, however.
Step 2
Ignore the bully's behavior. His taunting, name calling and intimidation tactics are meant to solicit a reaction from you. Refusing to give him that pleasure may stop the behavior when he realizes he isn't getting any type of feedback. It may even make him feel sheepish or childish for bullying in the first place.
Step 3
Stay with a friend or group when you know that the bully will be present. Seeing you on your own will give the bully the opportunity to harass you without the consequences of a reaction from other people. Whether you're in the lunch room at the office or going out to a club with your friends, staying in a group can protect you from bullies.
Step 4
Leave the situation or area when a bully begins to tease or harass you. You don't have any obligation to stay and listen to it. Even if you're at work, simply leaving the room and going to your own office will stop the bullying immediately. If the bully tries to harass you online, block his accounts so there is no way he can contact you.
Step 5
If the bullying is taking place at work, talk to the human resources (HR) department if the bullying escalates. As a child, you'd be urged to tell an adult. As an adult, harassment, threats and intimidation for jobs, promotions or projects are not acceptable in the workplace, and HR will want to hear about the problem to decide what course of action to take. If you are out in public when you are dealing with a bully, most establishments have security onsite, and you can talk to them about stopping the bullying.
Member Comments