How do you deal with bullies, A-type personalities, and control freaks at work?

Question

How do you deal with bullies, A-type personalities, and control freaks at work?

Answer 1

1. Try not to take the hostility personally. Chances are that although harsh words are said to you, they're not aimed at you personally. However, you don't have to take abuse. Answer this way: "I'm sorry you said that. I'd think that over, if I were you. You have nothing to gain by offending me."

2. Don't respond in kind

He's been at it longer than you, and is therefore probably better at it.  Besides, hostility just breeds more of the same, and he probably welcome the chance to justify his bad temper. In fact, you probablly don't have to respond much at all. Limt your contacts.

3. Apply negative sellilng.

If you want him to do something  and he resists, tell him straightforwardly the consequences of his resistance. You can't afford to let him believe he is privileged.

4. Don't let yourself be bullied

Some anger, sulking and silence are probably to be expected. But never let him humiliate you in front of others, make public threats or the like. If he wants to have a confrontation, take it outside. But in public he must never ridicule you. Otherwise you will have colleagues that do not repect you. That is a price you cannot afford.

5. Don't reply in kind.

The needler may hope to get you into a championship match, or at least get you to fight back on his own turf.  But even if your comebacks are as good as the initial barbs, you'll run the risk of coming off second best.

6. Take the departmental temperature.

It could be time for you to talk with others in the department to discover any hidden problems. Keep your eyes and ears open.

7. Sound the creep out.

You might say something like this: 'You've got a pretty keen eye for what goes on here. But sometimes when I laught at what you say, I get the feeling that you're trying to tell me something I ought to be taking seriously."  Keep your approach good-humored. This may persuade the heckler that he is doing too much of a good thing. Perhaps he will take the hint and begin to exercise self-censorship.

8. Consider telling him how YOU feel.

Most of us don't really know the full impact we have on others, so it's possible the joker doesn't know how his behavior affects you. If you can convey to the other person that the needling is hurting your relationship with him, you may find him willing to tone down the clowning that is occurring at your expense.

Answer 2

in the work force u are all adults. so just tell them to *** off. if you were in HS it would be different.

Answer 3

Do whatever they want. Otherwise they'll make your worklife miserable for you.

Answer 4

I thought that was what school was for.