A very legitimate issue which could become illegit
HR Specialist DoD Thu Mar 5, 2009 7:48 AM
I'm of 2 minds on this issue.
1. We all know of instances of workplace bullying. It is cruel, unacceptable, and detrimental to the mission.
2. We all know how popular "victimhood" has become. We all know people who would perceive as blatant bullying any supervisor who might actually require an employee to work during his/her tour of duty.
As we have seen in other arenas, there is no perfect way to separate out the two categories. We will either error on the side of the bully, or error on the side of those who want to use various smoke screens to avoid doing their jobs. Unfortunately, we will not find any happy medium.
Re: A very legitimate issue which could become illegit
Frustrated Fed United States Marshals Service Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:31 AM
The problem with your analogy, those in HR do not even try to "investigate" the issues raised to determine who is in the right. I was federal employee with 29 years of outstanding service and worked diligently each and every day. I upset my boss by addressing a fraud issue in our office and my outstanding record went out the door. I was exposed to two years of bullying and false accusations until I had a breakdown and was advised by physicians to get out of that environment or face possible heart attack or stroke. I sought out medical help and tried to return to work. Was threatened again that if I returned, matters would be even worse. No one at the Headquarters level would even hear my appeals. I was "removed" from federal service with only 1 yr and 10 months to full retirement. I had to hire attorney to try and get my retirement early. This has not gone well and I stay frustrated. Have gone over 14 months now with no income. This is my reward for dedicated federal service
54 Million
Karl Nervous Hospital Thu Mar 5, 2009 7:58 AM
Bully for you Steve. 54 million huh? Is that like Pelosi saying that we are losing 5 million jobs per week? let's do the gonculations. 300 mil population. Some of those are not of working age. Perhaps 80-90 mil? That leaves retirees. Another 40 mil? That leaves about 180 mil. Some of those are either unemployed or choose not to work. Another 80 mil? So that leaves about......wait a minute...scuze me while i whup this out....
I've only been bullied once during my working years. It was my first engineering job, right out of college, but I remember it as if it happened yesterday. My boss, also an engineer, was on my case similar to what a pledge experiences during hazing (I had expereince with that in a fraternity, too, but there I expected it!). Anyway, after taking his abuse for several months, I had reached my limit. The last time he belittled me I asked him to come out into the stairwell with me. I flat-out told him that if he didn't get off my case and treat me professionally I was going to knock him out. I meant it, too! That was the last time he did anything mean to me, and as it turned out we got along pretty well after that. I know he was having personal problems at home and pressure from his own boss at work, but he respected me from that point on.
Bullying
Policy Advisor U S Treasury Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:40 AM
I am a man with three female co-workers and a female supervisor. While all of us are located hundreds or thousands of miles apart, it is obvious from speaking with my coworkers that I am the target of bullying by my supervisor. I leave the office daily with stress-related migraines, I am questioned endlessly and berated constantly, micro-managed to a degree I would never consider subjecting anyone else to, while neither of my coworkers is subjected to anything like this treatment (we have discussed this numerous times). I have been in this position for many years and have always had exemplary evaluations, surprisingly I still receive them from this supervisor. Others throughout the Service are familiar with my supervisor, a woman who has been removed from previous management positions due to massive grievances and complaints having been filed against her, only to be moved to an extremely small group, none of whom have any recourse as we are all management level.
Re: Bullying
Fed DoD Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:16 AM
As a woman, what's happening may actually be age discrimination. Just based on what you've posted, that's what I surmise.
If you're at mgt level, I'm unsure what redress avenues are open to you. But I do know that, if "the (age) shoe fits," then that appeal avenue may be open to you.
And no, this is NOT "whining." Having gone through (and still subjected) to the same targeting for the same basis, and being the "relic of the office," then you do have a leg to stand on. I also believe we'll be seeing the same type of discrimination as the boomers age-out of the federal service.
JMO...
Re: Bullying
Agent IRS Thu Mar 5, 2009 12:38 PM
I too work for a female supervisor, who has had 3 EEO complaints and several grievances filed against her in 2 years of being the boss. She treats all of her employees with little respect, is judmental, demeaning and demanding. She was rated below average by her subordinates. What happens? She is promoted. Go figure. Now we have another female boss who is even worse. So much for surveys.
It blows my mind
Program and Mangement Assistant DON Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:43 AM
It blows my mind that bullying goes on working for the Navy and management here says you have to stick up for yourself and not take any crap from anybody. HOWEVER, when the bully complains to the boss...you get reprimanded without anyone asking you what happened. I even have a creep that claims to be my supervisor and hassles me and has a lot of people convinced I'm his derelict employee. My real bosses don't bother to recitify this situtation because I'm not the main focus for their jobs; and for one of them I think it's retribution for getting him in trouble for how hostile he's been to me.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Re: It blows my mind
Specialist DON Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:35 AM
Not sure what you can do short of finding another job. Once you're on the "sh**" list, it is hard as hell to get off. A bully has two faces, one they show to their superiors/peers and one they show to the others. They build their rep up, while tearing yours down. But, you can't give them ammunition. Its hard, but you've got to try your best coupled with documenting everything. Don't allow your performance to suffer either.
Late 1990's, I worked under a supervisor from "HELL." She was an "EOB" Equal Opportunity Bully. I think it was a power thing with her. One day, I had enough and in a one-on-one meeting in her office, in my calmest voice, I simply told her "You are a mean, evil, and hateful woman and I feel sorry for you." Her mouth dropped open and she turned redder than red. Then, she said, "get out of my office, now!" Damn it felt good to get that off my chest. Surprisely, I didn't have anymore problems with her, but I found another job shortly thereafter.
Re: It blows my mind
Diversity Manager DOL Thu Mar 5, 2009 5:25 PM
Yea grow up, the whole world is wrong and your right!!!
Workplace Bullying
Analyst US Army Corps of Engineers Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:49 AM
I experienced workplace bullying by a senior manager which eventually drove me from a job I loved. He did not like the fact that I made him to comply with Federal Regulations in handling an employee grievance. I was supported by the Commander on the issue too. I also understood that the best policy is to confront the Bully and bullying because, most of the time when the issue is given a voice, it will disappear (for a short time it did for me)
Unfortunately, my Commander transferred (as they do). A new Commander arrived completely disinclined to do what he was sent here to do (Command). Instead, he left the place in the hands of Bullyman to run the place "his way." Unfortunately, he also made sure I got "Paid Back" for not kowtowing and for doing the right thing by everyone's standards (but his).
Fortunately, Bullyman is LONG gone and am in a different job where I am not bullied. It is, however, an example of doing the right thing and still having a poor longterm outcome.
I, too, was subjected to bullying
Retired DCAA (DoD) Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:51 AM
I was subjected to bullying by several members of management. One lady in particular was promoted twice to the level of Deputy Regional director (Senior Executive Service position) and she was the worst bully of all. She rules by intimidation and fear and she has her list of who she picks on. For the six months I reported directly to her, my life was turned upside down and I gained over 60 pounds because of the depression she brought upon me.
Above article
HR Specialist OPM Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:03 AM
The problem I have with the 54 million figure is the lack of context. How was this number arrived at specifically? How did the respondents to the Zogby survey understand the term "workplace bullying"? To what extent were respondents given some form of defining norms to use in gauging their responses? The phenomenon of bullying, whether in schools, the workplace, etc. is real, but in many respects it, akin to the sexual harrassment phenomenon, is highly subjective in terms of what the term means to individual "victims" of the same. For example, in my four decades plus working career I've had occasion to be chewed out by one or another boss for real or perceived infractions, but don't personally feel that I've ever been "bullied" (even by drill sergeants in the military). Maybe others would have perceived that differently. Again, we need to assure more objective rigor in seeking to come to grips with such an amorphous concept by better defining our terms.
Workplace Bullying
HUMAN RESOURCES ASST Forest Service Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:07 AM
I had to work for several years for a bully. It was purely psychological hell. I had to get psychological help, and joined a support group. I was also able to rally co-workers who were bullied by the same few people. While I left, the others are still there, and I feel for those who couldn't leave the area. I feel like I'll never get my old self back, because as a child I experienced the same kind of psychological trauma, and this just pushed me, emotionally, all the way back to childhood.
I tried to talk to the supervisor about it, I complained to her supervisor, nothing was done. The only responses to my complaints were that I couldn't do the job, that I was incapable. Who can work effectively with that constantly thrown at you? Sometimes there's no fix to the bullying, but to leave and get another job.
Plantation Management Model
Victim of Bully Formerly with USDA Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:26 AM
After years of bullying subordinates, my GS-15 manager got promoted to SES. He's still there and still a problem. Management chooses to ignore pleas for help from victims.
One of the corporate values established in this SES's component Strategic Plan was "keep your head down and let the flak pass" and "if you aren't being criticized, you must not be doing anything."
I moved on and my health has improved immensely.
It's Hard to Report Workplace Bullying
Paralegal Specialist United States Postal Service Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:28 AM
I was bullied once, not by a boss, but by a subordinate who was supposed to be supporting me in a program. Previously, she had been led to believe that she would be handling the assignment herself, so resented it when I was given the assignment, and she was placed in a supporting role. Unfortunately, I did not have hiring/firing authority over her. She did everything she could to sabotage the program, from delaying work, turning in substandard work, arguing with -- and challenging -- me about everything, suggesting I do her tasks myself, etc. I repeatedly complained to my supervisor, who simply regarded it as a personality conflict and faulted me for not being able to get along with the bully, who had everyone else totally snowed. I finally only got relief when the big boss saw me crying one morning and made the mistake of asking how I was doing. He separated our responsibilities, and -- shortly thereafter -- the bully left the company.
Begging a bully for justice?
Worker Bee DOJ Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:52 AM
While I understand your point about confronting the bully (or sexual harasser), I think it is unrealistic. It's sort of like telling the victim of domestic violence to say "Please don't hurt me any more." And I imagine, in spite of your comment about effectiveness, it really isn't effective at all.
A person who bullies or commits other violence is a sadist. A Sadist likes to inflict pain and win power over others. Hearing that his/her methods are causing pain and making the victim vulnerable only seems likely to give the bully/sadist his satisfaction and to reward the bullying behavior.
But suffering in silence is definitely not effective either. I would suggest another method you mentioned in a previous article: report the behavior. Based on my own experiences, the more light shed on the matter, the less able the agency is to sweep it under the rug and allow the behavior to continue, which unfortunately seems to be the knee-jerk reaction of management.
retired due to bullying
recently retired VA Thu Mar 5, 2009 11:44 AM
Count me as a female who had to leave my job due to bullying by female supervisors. I was fortunate that my 20-yr anniversary coincided with a Federal early retirement offer. My blood pressure fell 30 points in the six months following my retirement. As I am a FERS retiree, the economic meltdown has decimated my account; in spite of that, I wake up every day thankful that I do not have to face the harassment and bullying that I lived with for years as a VA employee.
WORKPLACE BULLYING IS ALIVE
ANALYSIS USMC Thu Mar 5, 2009 12:50 PM
I have been the target of bullying.
It is bad when the boss and co-workers get togehter to bully one person (and tried to get that person fired or try to force them out).
I had one boss that wanted to get rid of me so badly that she went to one of my co-workers and had the co-worker say that I made a racail comment to her and they went to the command officer and stated this lie.
I have taken a lie detector test and passed but it has ruin my career here because so many people believe this lie.
Bottom line is that they got away with it.
They get away with it because management always protects management.
Re: WORKPLACE BULLYING IS ALIVE
Auditor Various agencies Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:27 AM
I think your final sentence hit the proverbial nail on the head - management always protects management. In the agency where I am currently employed, several employees have complained about a female bully boss, but management has circled the wagons around the supervisor and protected her from any repercussions from the verbal belittling, piling on of meaningless work to punish, and unequal consideration of requests for varying schedules including vacation and flex days.
The best (and sometimes ONLY) solution is to get into another work group. And yes, it has been my observation that these managers are in their current roles due to quotas and "equal opportunity." And yes, I'm a female of color, but that hasn't blinded me to the fact that many are promoted to their level of incompetence. I'm biding my time until I can retire and pray my health holds on until then.
Workplace Bullying
secretary USACE Thu Mar 5, 2009 12:57 PM
One can only be bullied if one is fearful. Laugh at the idiots, do your job well, and eventually the fools will only expose their own imcompetence. And....leave work at work and home at home!
Re: Workplace Bullying
Editor DoD Thu Mar 5, 2009 3:57 PM
Secretary/USACE - in theory, I agree about the fearfulness. Years ago, I was bullied by a female boss (I am female as well) and I swore I would NEVER let it happen again. But when the boss is, as another poster put it, an "equal opportunity bully," he/she demoralizes the entire staff. Thankfully, my immediate supervisor (a male) serves as a "buffer" in between me and our "bully boss," but she makes everyone miserable, including my immediate supervisor. When someone apparently spends every waking hour devising ways to tear down, belittle and overload subordinates, they have a very weak defense and it's hard to keep a good attitude (especially when one's health is affected).
Now I understand
Mgt Analyst Navy Thu Mar 5, 2009 1:12 PM
I wasn't crazy, I was bullied. The angioplasty confirmed it, yet it continued. When will Federal law catch up?
AFGE #12's proposal on psychological harassment
Steward & Mediation Rep US Department of Labor Thu Mar 5, 2009 2:22 PM
American Federation of Government Employees Local 12 (at USDOL) submitted a Proposal to (former) Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao on Workplace Bullying and Psychological Harassment in February 2006 (http://L12Bullying.googlepages.com). Local 12 assembled solid research on this to support our proposal that management and labor begin to seriously address the problems. Chao's HR ignored the problem. Still, the Proposal package has good materials for understanding the problems and for planing action against abuse.
Best Revenge
HR Specialist Dept of Labor Thu Mar 5, 2009 2:46 PM
The Best Revenge is live a good life outside of work and move on. A lot of these bullies don't have a life outside of work, so that when their Karma catches up with them, and it usually does, they have nothing to fall back on.
My old supervisor that bullied everyone that worked for him, was finally caught lying under oath. He was asked to leave that agency and is facing disbarment. At the time, I took a cut in pay to get out, but now I have more than made that up. I am looking at a happy retirement in a year or two, and he is looking at the rest of his career as a disbarred attorney.
His Karma ran over his Dogma!!
Diversity
Diversity Manager DOL Thu Mar 5, 2009 5:30 PM
All of these posters complaints are tied to 1 cause and effect. Promotions based on senority and quotas. Rather than hiring and promoting qualified CS the promotions are based on anything but. That's one of the reasons for NSPS to end this entitlement mentality. The sooner it because part of the CS DNA these baby issue will end
Re: Diversity
Ex HR Practitioner DoD Mon Mar 9, 2009 12:29 PM
Actually, NSPS is an opportunity for bully bosses to get even with those they bully. It is awfully hard to dispute a supervisor who says your rating is a 3 rather than a 4. The use of "weasel" words in the rating system and Management review teams whose only goal is to keep personnel costs down has resulted in a system worse than the GS rating system.
Bullying
Compliance Officer DOL-OFCCP (1995-2003) Thu Mar 5, 2009 8:10 PM
Worked in the Midwest region. The job entailed investigating discrimination on a systemic basis. Ironic, considering the agency I worked for, that harassment (bullying) by key management was common place. Seemed orchestrated to move us out. I had better things to do, so I left. Its left scars, and from what I understand, the bullying continues today. Shame on an agency meant to protect workers from toxic work conditions.
Big Bully(s) in Chicago
Compliance Officer DOL-OFCCP (1995-2003) Thu Mar 5, 2009 8:30 PM
Worked the Midwest region. Our job entailed protecting workers from harassment. Ironically, key management seemed to find joy in bullying their staff. Fortunately, I had better options, so I got out. They were like sociopaths in the way they seemed to enjoy inflicting psychological pain. Shame on the Dept. of Labor. Word is they (the bullies) are still employed and enjoying their work.
Bullying
Retired DoD Fri Mar 6, 2009 4:46 PM
There was a GS 8 supervisor in our agency who harassed many of her employees. Some complained and got reassigned to other offices and some stayed and took the punishment. Several people went to the GS 15 director and asked him why he didn't do anything. The director's response? The supervisor knew karate! Eventually, this woman left on her own.
bullying in the workplace
Brenda St. Duran Department of the Army, Tobyhanna Army Depot Sat Mar 7, 2009 2:29 AM
Thank you for addressing this subject. I was experiencing such a hostile environment by a female supervisor, I volunteered to go to South West Asia to get out of it. I have found peace in a war zone. I do not think confronting the bully is a viable option. My supervisor thought she was within her rights to treat her employees like second class citizens. Since I was her only female employee, she especially went after me. I wrote a paper in my Masters program on the subject, but did not realize the extent of the problem. Thanks for enlightening me.
Bullied at work
35+yrs fed worker dhud Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:07 PM
Placed in a lower level job when my old job was loss in the Clinton era, it was very hard for me. I had not typed, done clerical work in over 20 years, but I was expected to come right in and performed 100 percent. My new boss always made me feel incompetent, but the s--t hit the fan when I was told in front of everyone I didn't know anything! I immediately got up from my desk when around pass the boss and beckon her to follow me into her own office! When I closed those doors I gave her a woman to woman tongue latching. Once I finished, I gave her a hug and she softly said something I can't remember, but after that meeting she respected me more than any other coworker in the office and I respected her as well. My coworker said all they could see during the closed door meeting, was my arms waving all over the place. I don't believe I would have done that any other time, but when you are fed up you do not think about your job, family or anything, just getting that person off you!
retaliation
Who knows VA Sat Apr 18, 2009 1:09 AM
First started when I applied for a job through USA jobs for a supervisory position; however, when I get there I am given a different title and series and no supervisory. Yet, the organizational chart states I am the Safety Manager. I question, file EEO, and lo and behold, I am being retaliated in different ways that now even the police are getting into it and questioning me about my job and charging me with criminal activity because I am taking pictures for official business since I am an IH or Safety and Occ Health specialist which is part of my documenting work. I have even contacted OSC, but have not heard anything from anybody. I was also threatened verbally by the supervisor, but nothing has been done. It all seems so surreal and I do not understand who can help? I had contacted OPM initially because the agency deceived me through he USA job announcement which they admit to having made an error yet I was not informed before I came to work at the agency.
A very legitimate issue which could become illegit
DoD
Thu Mar 5, 2009 7:48 AM
I'm of 2 minds on this issue.
1. We all know of instances of workplace bullying. It is cruel, unacceptable, and detrimental to the mission.
2. We all know how popular "victimhood" has become. We all know people who would perceive as blatant bullying any supervisor who might actually require an employee to work during his/her tour of duty.
As we have seen in other arenas, there is no perfect way to separate out the two categories. We will either error on the side of the bully, or error on the side of those who want to use various smoke screens to avoid doing their jobs. Unfortunately, we will not find any happy medium.
Re: A very legitimate issue which could become illegit
United States Marshals Service
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:31 AM
54 Million
Nervous Hospital
Thu Mar 5, 2009 7:58 AM
Bully for you Steve. 54 million huh? Is that like Pelosi saying that we are losing 5 million jobs per week? let's do the gonculations. 300 mil population. Some of those are not of working age. Perhaps 80-90 mil? That leaves retirees. Another 40 mil? That leaves about 180 mil. Some of those are either unemployed or choose not to work. Another 80 mil? So that leaves about......wait a minute...scuze me while i whup this out....
| | | | | |
Civilian labor force ....| 154,650| 154,648| 154,620| 154,447| 153,716| (1)
Employment ............| 145,299| 144,046| 144,144| 143,338| 142,099| (1)
Unemployment ..........| 9,350| 10,602| 10,476| 11,108| 11,616| (1)
Not in labor force ......| 79,460| 80,177| 80,208| 80,588| 81,023| (1)
From time-to-time I am skeptical. This is why...
workplace bullying
faa
Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:33 AM
I've only been bullied once during my working years. It was my first engineering job, right out of college, but I remember it as if it happened yesterday. My boss, also an engineer, was on my case similar to what a pledge experiences during hazing (I had expereince with that in a fraternity, too, but there I expected it!). Anyway, after taking his abuse for several months, I had reached my limit. The last time he belittled me I asked him to come out into the stairwell with me. I flat-out told him that if he didn't get off my case and treat me professionally I was going to knock him out. I meant it, too! That was the last time he did anything mean to me, and as it turned out we got along pretty well after that. I know he was having personal problems at home and pressure from his own boss at work, but he respected me from that point on.
Bullying
U S Treasury
Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:40 AM
I am a man with three female co-workers and a female supervisor. While all of us are located hundreds or thousands of miles apart, it is obvious from speaking with my coworkers that I am the target of bullying by my supervisor. I leave the office daily with stress-related migraines, I am questioned endlessly and berated constantly, micro-managed to a degree I would never consider subjecting anyone else to, while neither of my coworkers is subjected to anything like this treatment (we have discussed this numerous times). I have been in this position for many years and have always had exemplary evaluations, surprisingly I still receive them from this supervisor. Others throughout the Service are familiar with my supervisor, a woman who has been removed from previous management positions due to massive grievances and complaints having been filed against her, only to be moved to an extremely small group, none of whom have any recourse as we are all management level.
Re: Bullying
DoD
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:16 AM
If you're at mgt level, I'm unsure what redress avenues are open to you. But I do know that, if "the (age) shoe fits," then that appeal avenue may be open to you.
And no, this is NOT "whining." Having gone through (and still subjected) to the same targeting for the same basis, and being the "relic of the office," then you do have a leg to stand on. I also believe we'll be seeing the same type of discrimination as the boomers age-out of the federal service.
JMO...
Re: Bullying
IRS
Thu Mar 5, 2009 12:38 PM
It blows my mind
DON
Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:43 AM
It blows my mind that bullying goes on working for the Navy and management here says you have to stick up for yourself and not take any crap from anybody. HOWEVER, when the bully complains to the boss...you get reprimanded without anyone asking you what happened. I even have a creep that claims to be my supervisor and hassles me and has a lot of people convinced I'm his derelict employee. My real bosses don't bother to recitify this situtation because I'm not the main focus for their jobs; and for one of them I think it's retribution for getting him in trouble for how hostile he's been to me.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Re: It blows my mind
DON
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:35 AM
Late 1990's, I worked under a supervisor from "HELL." She was an "EOB" Equal Opportunity Bully. I think it was a power thing with her. One day, I had enough and in a one-on-one meeting in her office, in my calmest voice, I simply told her "You are a mean, evil, and hateful woman and I feel sorry for you." Her mouth dropped open and she turned redder than red. Then, she said, "get out of my office, now!" Damn it felt good to get that off my chest. Surprisely, I didn't have anymore problems with her, but I found another job shortly thereafter.
Re: It blows my mind
DOL
Thu Mar 5, 2009 5:25 PM
Workplace Bullying
US Army Corps of Engineers
Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:49 AM
I experienced workplace bullying by a senior manager which eventually drove me from a job I loved. He did not like the fact that I made him to comply with Federal Regulations in handling an employee grievance. I was supported by the Commander on the issue too. I also understood that the best policy is to confront the Bully and bullying because, most of the time when the issue is given a voice, it will disappear (for a short time it did for me)
Unfortunately, my Commander transferred (as they do). A new Commander arrived completely disinclined to do what he was sent here to do (Command). Instead, he left the place in the hands of Bullyman to run the place "his way." Unfortunately, he also made sure I got "Paid Back" for not kowtowing and for doing the right thing by everyone's standards (but his).
Fortunately, Bullyman is LONG gone and am in a different job where I am not bullied. It is, however, an example of doing the right thing and still having a poor longterm outcome.
I, too, was subjected to bullying
DCAA (DoD)
Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:51 AM
I was subjected to bullying by several members of management. One lady in particular was promoted twice to the level of Deputy Regional director (Senior Executive Service position) and she was the worst bully of all. She rules by intimidation and fear and she has her list of who she picks on. For the six months I reported directly to her, my life was turned upside down and I gained over 60 pounds because of the depression she brought upon me.
Above article
OPM
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:03 AM
The problem I have with the 54 million figure is the lack of context. How was this number arrived at specifically? How did the respondents to the Zogby survey understand the term "workplace bullying"? To what extent were respondents given some form of defining norms to use in gauging their responses? The phenomenon of bullying, whether in schools, the workplace, etc. is real, but in many respects it, akin to the sexual harrassment phenomenon, is highly subjective in terms of what the term means to individual "victims" of the same. For example, in my four decades plus working career I've had occasion to be chewed out by one or another boss for real or perceived infractions, but don't personally feel that I've ever been "bullied" (even by drill sergeants in the military). Maybe others would have perceived that differently. Again, we need to assure more objective rigor in seeking to come to grips with such an amorphous concept by better defining our terms.
Workplace Bullying
Forest Service
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:07 AM
I had to work for several years for a bully. It was purely psychological hell. I had to get psychological help, and joined a support group. I was also able to rally co-workers who were bullied by the same few people. While I left, the others are still there, and I feel for those who couldn't leave the area. I feel like I'll never get my old self back, because as a child I experienced the same kind of psychological trauma, and this just pushed me, emotionally, all the way back to childhood.
I tried to talk to the supervisor about it, I complained to her supervisor, nothing was done. The only responses to my complaints were that I couldn't do the job, that I was incapable. Who can work effectively with that constantly thrown at you? Sometimes there's no fix to the bullying, but to leave and get another job.
Plantation Management Model
Formerly with USDA
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:26 AM
After years of bullying subordinates, my GS-15 manager got promoted to SES. He's still there and still a problem. Management chooses to ignore pleas for help from victims.
One of the corporate values established in this SES's component Strategic Plan was "keep your head down and let the flak pass" and "if you aren't being criticized, you must not be doing anything."
I moved on and my health has improved immensely.
It's Hard to Report Workplace Bullying
United States Postal Service
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:28 AM
I was bullied once, not by a boss, but by a subordinate who was supposed to be supporting me in a program. Previously, she had been led to believe that she would be handling the assignment herself, so resented it when I was given the assignment, and she was placed in a supporting role. Unfortunately, I did not have hiring/firing authority over her. She did everything she could to sabotage the program, from delaying work, turning in substandard work, arguing with -- and challenging -- me about everything, suggesting I do her tasks myself, etc. I repeatedly complained to my supervisor, who simply regarded it as a personality conflict and faulted me for not being able to get along with the bully, who had everyone else totally snowed. I finally only got relief when the big boss saw me crying one morning and made the mistake of asking how I was doing. He separated our responsibilities, and -- shortly thereafter -- the bully left the company.
Begging a bully for justice?
DOJ
Thu Mar 5, 2009 10:52 AM
While I understand your point about confronting the bully (or sexual harasser), I think it is unrealistic. It's sort of like telling the victim of domestic violence to say "Please don't hurt me any more." And I imagine, in spite of your comment about effectiveness, it really isn't effective at all.
A person who bullies or commits other violence is a sadist. A Sadist likes to inflict pain and win power over others. Hearing that his/her methods are causing pain and making the victim vulnerable only seems likely to give the bully/sadist his satisfaction and to reward the bullying behavior.
But suffering in silence is definitely not effective either. I would suggest another method you mentioned in a previous article: report the behavior. Based on my own experiences, the more light shed on the matter, the less able the agency is to sweep it under the rug and allow the behavior to continue, which unfortunately seems to be the knee-jerk reaction of management.
retired due to bullying
VA
Thu Mar 5, 2009 11:44 AM
Count me as a female who had to leave my job due to bullying by female supervisors. I was fortunate that my 20-yr anniversary coincided with a Federal early retirement offer. My blood pressure fell 30 points in the six months following my retirement. As I am a FERS retiree, the economic meltdown has decimated my account; in spite of that, I wake up every day thankful that I do not have to face the harassment and bullying that I lived with for years as a VA employee.
WORKPLACE BULLYING IS ALIVE
USMC
Thu Mar 5, 2009 12:50 PM
I have been the target of bullying.
It is bad when the boss and co-workers get togehter to bully one person (and tried to get that person fired or try to force them out).
I had one boss that wanted to get rid of me so badly that she went to one of my co-workers and had the co-worker say that I made a racail comment to her and they went to the command officer and stated this lie.
I have taken a lie detector test and passed but it has ruin my career here because so many people believe this lie.
Bottom line is that they got away with it.
They get away with it because management always protects management.
Re: WORKPLACE BULLYING IS ALIVE
Various agencies
Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:27 AM
The best (and sometimes ONLY) solution is to get into another work group. And yes, it has been my observation that these managers are in their current roles due to quotas and "equal opportunity." And yes, I'm a female of color, but that hasn't blinded me to the fact that many are promoted to their level of incompetence. I'm biding my time until I can retire and pray my health holds on until then.
Workplace Bullying
USACE
Thu Mar 5, 2009 12:57 PM
One can only be bullied if one is fearful. Laugh at the idiots, do your job well, and eventually the fools will only expose their own imcompetence. And....leave work at work and home at home!
Re: Workplace Bullying
DoD
Thu Mar 5, 2009 3:57 PM
Now I understand
Navy
Thu Mar 5, 2009 1:12 PM
I wasn't crazy, I was bullied. The angioplasty confirmed it, yet it continued. When will Federal law catch up?
AFGE #12's proposal on psychological harassment
US Department of Labor
Thu Mar 5, 2009 2:22 PM
American Federation of Government Employees Local 12 (at USDOL) submitted a Proposal to (former) Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao on Workplace Bullying and Psychological Harassment in February 2006 (http://L12Bullying.googlepages.com). Local 12 assembled solid research on this to support our proposal that management and labor begin to seriously address the problems. Chao's HR ignored the problem. Still, the Proposal package has good materials for understanding the problems and for planing action against abuse.
Best Revenge
Dept of Labor
Thu Mar 5, 2009 2:46 PM
The Best Revenge is live a good life outside of work and move on. A lot of these bullies don't have a life outside of work, so that when their Karma catches up with them, and it usually does, they have nothing to fall back on.
My old supervisor that bullied everyone that worked for him, was finally caught lying under oath. He was asked to leave that agency and is facing disbarment. At the time, I took a cut in pay to get out, but now I have more than made that up. I am looking at a happy retirement in a year or two, and he is looking at the rest of his career as a disbarred attorney.
His Karma ran over his Dogma!!
Diversity
DOL
Thu Mar 5, 2009 5:30 PM
All of these posters complaints are tied to 1 cause and effect. Promotions based on senority and quotas. Rather than hiring and promoting qualified CS the promotions are based on anything but. That's one of the reasons for NSPS to end this entitlement mentality. The sooner it because part of the CS DNA these baby issue will end
Re: Diversity
DoD
Mon Mar 9, 2009 12:29 PM
Bullying
DOL-OFCCP (1995-2003)
Thu Mar 5, 2009 8:10 PM
Worked in the Midwest region. The job entailed investigating discrimination on a systemic basis. Ironic, considering the agency I worked for, that harassment (bullying) by key management was common place. Seemed orchestrated to move us out. I had better things to do, so I left. Its left scars, and from what I understand, the bullying continues today. Shame on an agency meant to protect workers from toxic work conditions.
Big Bully(s) in Chicago
DOL-OFCCP (1995-2003)
Thu Mar 5, 2009 8:30 PM
Worked the Midwest region. Our job entailed protecting workers from harassment. Ironically, key management seemed to find joy in bullying their staff. Fortunately, I had better options, so I got out. They were like sociopaths in the way they seemed to enjoy inflicting psychological pain. Shame on the Dept. of Labor. Word is they (the bullies) are still employed and enjoying their work.
Bullying
DoD
Fri Mar 6, 2009 4:46 PM
There was a GS 8 supervisor in our agency who harassed many of her employees. Some complained and got reassigned to other offices and some stayed and took the punishment. Several people went to the GS 15 director and asked him why he didn't do anything. The director's response? The supervisor knew karate! Eventually, this woman left on her own.
bullying in the workplace
Department of the Army, Tobyhanna Army Depot
Sat Mar 7, 2009 2:29 AM
Thank you for addressing this subject. I was experiencing such a hostile environment by a female supervisor, I volunteered to go to South West Asia to get out of it. I have found peace in a war zone. I do not think confronting the bully is a viable option. My supervisor thought she was within her rights to treat her employees like second class citizens. Since I was her only female employee, she especially went after me. I wrote a paper in my Masters program on the subject, but did not realize the extent of the problem. Thanks for enlightening me.
Bullied at work
dhud
Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:07 PM
Placed in a lower level job when my old job was loss in the Clinton era, it was very hard for me. I had not typed, done clerical work in over 20 years, but I was expected to come right in and performed 100 percent. My new boss always made me feel incompetent, but the s--t hit the fan when I was told in front of everyone I didn't know anything! I immediately got up from my desk when around pass the boss and beckon her to follow me into her own office! When I closed those doors I gave her a woman to woman tongue latching. Once I finished, I gave her a hug and she softly said something I can't remember, but after that meeting she respected me more than any other coworker in the office and I respected her as well. My coworker said all they could see during the closed door meeting, was my arms waving all over the place. I don't believe I would have done that any other time, but when you are fed up you do not think about your job, family or anything, just getting that person off you!
retaliation
VA
Sat Apr 18, 2009 1:09 AM
First started when I applied for a job through USA jobs for a supervisory position; however, when I get there I am given a different title and series and no supervisory. Yet, the organizational chart states I am the Safety Manager. I question, file EEO, and lo and behold, I am being retaliated in different ways that now even the police are getting into it and questioning me about my job and charging me with criminal activity because I am taking pictures for official business since I am an IH or Safety and Occ Health specialist which is part of my documenting work. I have even contacted OSC, but have not heard anything from anybody. I was also threatened verbally by the supervisor, but nothing has been done. It all seems so surreal and I do not understand who can help? I had contacted OPM initially because the agency deceived me through he USA job announcement which they admit to having made an error yet I was not informed before I came to work at the agency.