Stop the Workplace Bully with a Duty to Intervene

Bullies have mastered the art of labeling, and giving nicknames to co-workers, causing internal harm to the agency. Bullying and verbal abuse can lead to social exclusion in the work place.

Workplace bullying is a persistent pattern of mistreatment from others in the workplace causing physical or emotional harm. It can include verbal, nonverbal, psychological, and physical abuse, as well as humiliation. 

Officer committed suicide after being Bullied by Peers

A police officer shared a story in class about losing his partner to suicide. The constant bullying from other officers, and calling him names (that he told everyone to stop doing) went too far and too long.

No note, no warning, no good-bye to his family… he used his own gun, to end his life. Mental abuse can scar a person and an agency, to the point of no return.

 Bullies are Toxic Employees in any public service agency, and they typically lack emotional intelligence and Empathy communication.

As public service professionals we can be overly critical, demeaning, and lack empathy when interacting with our zone partners, and others in our department. Commanders that stand up to bullies and unprofessional workplace behavior, are respected more when they report unprofessional behavior, vs look the other way.

“Workplace Bullying does not create VALUE in any organization, and should not be tolerated in any public service agency.” ~ Linda Webb, Co-founder of RITE Academy.

In 2017, the Workplace Bullying Institute estimated that 60.3 million workers in the U.S.A. alone have been affected by workplace bullying. If you see something, say something!

The 6-Signs of Bullying in the Workplace:

Looks to upset others

Do you know employees that repeatedly upset and bully others around them? Co-workers that are often mistreated will eventually complain. And if their complaints are not heard, and nothing changes, they could make matters worse for themselves and others.

Lacks Empathy

Those who can’t connect with co-workers or act like they just don’t care for others well-being often lack empathy. They may “think” they care, but don’t know how to communicate it. Walking in another person’s shoes is the first step.

Aggressive Behavior

This may include openly shouting, threatening or humiliating others in the workplace, as well as outside the department. If you do not VALUE your co-workers, the workplace culture will diminish.

Thrives around insecure People

A classic sign of bullying is when you make yourself feel better by evoking discomfort or insecurity in others. This is often seen by persistently picking on someone or deliberately setting them up to fail.

Spreads malicious Rumors

Spreading rumors can take an agency down at the knees.

Defined as a “Defamation of character” towards another, spreading lies is against what being a law enforcement officer is, and should not be tolerated.

Misuse of power or position

Intentionally blocking someone’s promotion or take away duties and responsibilities without any rationale or substance. Other possibilities include deliberately and persistently ignoring or excluding someone from joint collaborations and social events.

 Intentionally blocking someone’s promotion or take away duties and responsibilities without any rationale or substance. Other possibilities include deliberately and persistently ignoring or excluding someone from joint collaborations and social events.

The effects of bullying on individuals

Being bullied may create effects that include:

• Feelings of frustration and/or helplessness
• Increased sense of vulnerability
• Loss of confidence
• Physical symptoms such as:
• Inability to sleep.
• Loss of appetite.
• Psychosomatic symptoms such as:
• Stomach pains.
• Headaches.
• Panic or anxiety, especially about going to work
• Family tension and stress
• Inability to concentrate
• Low morale and productivity

How bullying effects the workplace

Bullying affects the overall health of an organization. An unhealthy workplace can have many effects including:

• Increased absenteeism
• Increased turnover
• Increased stress
• Increased costs for employee assistance programs (EAPs), recruitment, etc
• Increased risk for accidents / incidents
• Decreased productivity and motivation
• Decreased morale

Creating a Professional Workplace

Teaching Professional Workplace Culture for Public Service Professionals, we travel the county and hear many stories of unprofessional behaviors that often includes bullying.

If you have internal Bullies within your department mistreating employees, can you only imagine the damage they can do in your community, while hurting your agency’s image.

Bullying can trigger an array of mental health issues including depression, burnout, increased absenteeism, low self-confidence, and stress. Take a stand within your agency… ZERO Tolerance for Bully’s

Professional Workplace Culture Training helps with:

• The Entitlement Complex
• Rumors and Gossip
• Mental Loop Leads to Negative Banter
• Implicit Bias and Knowing Your Hot Button
• Avoiding Block-out Syndrome
• 7-types of Workplace Harassment
• Use of Profanity
• Rude and Condescending Behavior
• Improper Jokes or Nicknames
• Duty to Intervene – Step In, Tap Out, Take Over
• Improper Social Media Posting

Police Executives have a ‘Duty-to-Intervene’ and establish Professional Workplace Culture Accountability Standards and Training to Stop Bullying!

ABOUT RITE

At RITE Academy, we have provided training to fire, police, EMS, 911 operators and corrections officers, EI Tools and Exercises that help each person personally control their emotions. It’s a huge Ah-ha when you finally ‘wake up’ and realize that you have been holding yourself back.

With every class, the LADDER, Stop-Light, and NEW DAY Tools and Banners are included in the training, and left behind for the agency to use. RITE is not a one and done class!