Misconceptions about Workplace Bullying Causes more Harm

By Linda Crockett, Founder of the Canadian Institute of Workplace Bullying and Harassment Resources Inc.

Unfortunately, there has always been false information circulating about workplace bullying, however, it should not be controversial. People are often confused by the varying definitions, changes in terminology, and inconsistent processes put in place by employers. It is disheartening to see the level of mistakes today, especially when research has been available for decades, and the statistics validate the epidemic numbers of employees harmed. Business owners and taxpayer’s spend millions to billions on far too many mistakes, preventable mistakes! While legislation now includes protection from psychological harassment and psychological violence, these errors are still occurring, and often causing more harm. Let us help prevent additional harm by working together!

We have information to share that will help you whether you are a leader, target (complainant), bystander (witness), or an alleged offender (respondent).

Leaders

Are employees bringing in complaints that leave you feel torn about next steps? Are you concerned that more complaints will come forward if you train your employees on this topic? Is someone acting out with bullying behavior, yet you can’t address it? Is it a colleague? Friend? Family member? Are you uncertain what the next best steps are or about the resources to access? Is someone bullying you and forcing you to do the same to your staff? Are you seeing others get away with it? Or are you fearful that you will be accused? Do you know what to do if you are? Fact: have you read the research that shows 74% of workplace bullying is coming from leadership? Does this concern you?

We have answers. We have solutions. We have direction for you.

Targets (Complainants)

Have you ever been a target of workplace bullying? Have you been accused of being too sensitive when a bully offends you? Have you been told that you need to stop being passive and speak up or defend yourself? Have you been forced to go work it out with the bully before HR or a leader, will assist you? Have you been told you are not resilient enough? Or has someone said "it's just your perspective?" ...in attempt to shut you up?

Then you have been misinformed, misguided, and this can lead to more problems and injuries. Help is available for you.

Bystanders (Witnesses)

Have you been told you are unprofessional, unethical, or called a coward for not reporting the unprofessional behavior you have witnessed by a workplace bully(s) towards another employee(s)? Have you received feedback that you have betrayed someone for not protecting them? Are you struggling with what to do? Who should you talk to? Fear for making things worse, being blamed, or being the next target? Have you ever made comments like “Why is she/he allowing that bully to treat her/him that way? I will never let anyone bully me”?

Then you may be uninformed, and there is help available to assist you.

 Offenders (Respondents)

Have you been accused of bullying? Was it substantiated? Unsubstantiated? Malicious? Have you been told that all bullies are narcissistic? Psychopaths? Sociopaths? Do you feel misunderstood, misrepresented, or have you been devastated by false allegations? Most true-blue bullies will not ask for help, in fact, they feel it is everyone else’s fault. However, there are many others for example, who have been trained to bully, expected to bully, and are rewarded for it. Have you gotten away with particular actions and behaviours that today are no longer acceptable? Are you confused or at a loss about all these changes?

You will need a safe place to gather information, self-reflect, and decide on next steps.

Facts

Misconceptions, misinformation, and a lack of information, all cause delays in identifying, and reporting abusive behaviors. Delays allow for these errors to progress and cause more harm, costs, and damages. One weak link on a team can hold you back, and/or contaminate all other efforts and costs made towards zero tolerance practices.

Solutions

Offer your leaders and staff, in depth, trauma-informed training, on prevention, intervention, and repair or repair options for workplace bullying. Your employees know when their leaders invest in their staff’s health and safety or cut corners. Our training will help prevent harm, costs, damages, protect reputations, and the overall success of your career and company. Our training will allow all participants to experience a holistic perspective on this worldwide, industry and profession wide, human experience. Once you fully and accurately understand this phenomenon, we can accurately address it. Imagine the success, pleasure, and productivity, if all staff were on the same page!

 Workshops

The Canadian Institute of Workplace Bullying Resources (CIWBR) provides training workshops that are customized to meet the unique needs of your industry.

We offer Half Day, Full Day, and Two-Day Trauma-Informed Workshops. Cost varies depending on the number of sessions and people, whether it is online or in person, and whether you are a for-profit or not- for-profit organization.

Our Workshops Cover:

• What is and what is not workplace bullying
• Definitions, terminology, traits, tactics, signs, symptoms, impact, prevalence
• Workplace Psychological Harassment, Psychological Violence, Bullying, Lateral Violence, Mobbing
• Psychological Health, Psychological Injuries, Hazards, Warning Signs, and How to Address them
• Why people are targeted
• Why bystanders do not speak up
• Why people bully others
• How as COVID impacted cases of workplace bullying?
• Content includes Legislation, policies, procedures, your rights, and responsibilities 
• In workshops we focus on: Prevention, Intervention and Resolution or Repair Strategies and Options
• Who can you turn to for help and what you can expect?
• How to navigate various workplace systems e.g., unions, human rights, WCB, legal.
• What is internal and external betrayal and how to avoid or address these situations

We offer Workplace Bullying and Harassment Training for:

• Leadership and/or Staff
• Contact Professional (HR, OHS, Investigators, Unions, Medial Teams, Insurance Teams)
• Indigenous Workplaces
• Domestic Violence Survivors Returning to Work
• Youth Entering the Workplace
• Risks and Opportunities for Professions e.g., Social Workers, Nurses, Psychologists, Teachers, Oil and Gas, Trades, or Construction Industries, or Multidisciplinary Professional Teams
• People with Disabilities

Linda Crockett has trained hundreds of organizations and thousands of employees across Canada. She also has a team of highly experienced, holistic, skilled, dynamic trainers travelling Canada and offering all organizations training.

Read our testimonials!

Call 780-965-7480 for more information, intake, consult, and/or a customized proposal.

Linda Crockett September 2021