Managers experience bullying from their superiors

Superiors, even the top floor, instruct employee bullying, in which all executives should participate

Senior employees in the area of responsibility of the manager bully or are victims of bullying

Managers become bullies.

Note: Bullying is an ugly, relatively common phenomenon in human relationships. In the professional world it occurs at all hierarchical levels and in principle can affect anyone.

Common reasons for bossing

Common motives of bullies include:

Envy and resentment,

Jealousy,

Antipathy,

Uncertainty,

Anxiety,

Turn off competitors,

distract from your own mistakes.

Another reason is possible for bullies from the executive suite: downsizing - one or more employees should leave the company, but regular dismissal is not possible.

So the person has to be scared off, if necessary with unfair means. Then the so-called bossing begins.

Attention: It often starts insidiously, with small, strange occurrences. Initially, the chosen victim believes or hopes for a misunderstanding. But secret intrigue turns into open harassment, rumors spread, insults and malicious allegations are the order of the day.

Anyone can become a bossing victim

There is no definition of either bullying or bossing that is used consistently and is generally recognized.

In a study, the Federal Agency defined:

"Bullying is understood to mean that someone is harassed or discriminated against and marginalized frequently over a long period of time in the workplace." Bossing differs from occasional conflicts through characteristics such as systematic, repeated and hierarchical.

Among other things, bossing can be recognized by:

Affected people are excluded, for example no longer invited to meetings.

Important information is withheld.

Boss cuts the employee down in front of the assembled team, even becomes insulting.

The superior no longer engages in a real conversation, makes derogatory remarks about his victim, and chokes off contradiction in an authoritarian manner.

Bullied people are blamed for mistakes for which they are not responsible; and have to do tasks that are pointless or far below their qualifications.

Projects are withdrawn for no reason.

Warning: Unless the boss is a forgetful choleric and notorious complainer, and treats all employees like this (which would also be wrong), you must assume bullying.

Tip: Advice centers and specialist literature provide numerous pieces of advice on how to behave when you are bossing: for example, keeping a bossing diary, contacting the works council or higher-level superiors and talking to the boss who is bullying.

Bossing Tips on What Victims Can Do

Conversation with the boss

At the first sign, a clear conversation with the bullying manager can help. Do not appear as a suffering victim, stay calm, do not accuse or reproach yourself. Confidently ask for the situation to be clarified. Boss or not - set boundaries for the bully.

Perhaps a competing colleague has intrigued against you so that this can now be rectified. Does the boss think you're keen on his job? You can clarify that too.

Do you really want to get rid of the top bosses and have no reason to resign? Should this systematically be used to cut staff? Then you could get a fair deal and leave. Or you fight against the rulers and bossing until you get sick and leave. This is how many cases of bullying end.

Help from the boss of the boss

Basically, your boss's supervisor must take action against the bullying. But what if the bossing methods were ordered from the very top? Then the condition may get worse, it certainly won't get any better. In a working atmosphere that engages in bullying and bossing, help from management is unlikely. Anyone could be the next to be bullied.

You know the saying:

"Hawks will not pick out hawks' eyes".

“To be right doesn't mean to be right” also fits.

No question about it, of course there are also managers who prevent bullying in their area of responsibility.

Assistance from the works council

A works council can help you to stand up for your rights and remind the employer of his duty of care. However, its possibilities are limited.

No matter what you do, you need strong nerves and should be able to demonstrate bossing with examples. Ideally, keep a bossing journal by documenting all incidents.

Place, date, time

Witnesses present,

Screenshots, copies, photos,

Wording of insults, suspicions, rumors, etc.

These documents cannot only be used against the bully within the company. They can also be useful in the event that the matter ends up in labor tribunal. But get detailed legal advice on this.

By the way: Insult, defamation and defamation are each a criminal offense.

Do you recognize bossing and bullying in your area of responsibility?

Example: Until recently, this young Meyer was still a promising junior manager. Now he seems insecure and depressed, mostly stands apart and is also often sick. Overall, the mood in the department is bad. Is it just a phase or already bullying or even bossing, a test brings clarity about it.

The qualified psychologist Leymann recognized 45 typical acts of bullying and divided them into 5 categories.

Attacks on:

the opportunity to communicate

social relationships

the social standing

the professional and life situation

health

Even if only a few points apply, there is still a need for action.

Caution: Use all available means to prevent further acts of bossing and take the pressure off the bullied. If necessary, impose disciplinary measures and inform the boardroom. In addition, your skills as a conversation partner, moderator and mediator are in demand. If the situation needs to be dealt with, dislocations are also possible.

Probably the best method against bullying and bossing in the workplace is good leadership style and a healthy working atmosphere.

Many components contribute to this. For example:

Transparency and an aggressive information policy

clear structures

Inclusion of employees in planning and decision-making processes

Training in leadership and communication

Always have an open ear for worries and problems of employees

Bossing contradicts the duty of care towards subordinates. In addition, it damages the company's image, especially if it is not an isolated incident. Financial damage is also possible.

In addition: You always meet twice in life. Perhaps the bullied colleague is making a career with a competitor or becomes a decision maker for an important customer. New text