Fri, June 25, 2010 - 9:06:35

NICE is the Best Defense against Workplace Bullies

With this week’s release of the hotly-anticipated iPhone 4G, the company behind the latest must-have gadget has been a hot topic of conversation—and not just for its popular products. As the New York Times reports, the tech-giant once regarded as an underdog is now being considered by many—including the FTC—to be a bit of a bully, due to its stringent exclusions of a number of its competitors’ technologies from its products.

All this talk of business world bullying got us thinking about a topic that’s growing increasingly relevant in the lives of many adults: workplace bullying.  Today, bullying isn’t just found on the playground; it’s a serious problem that can follow people from their elementary school days, through adolescence, and into adulthood. 

In the face of bullying it can be tempting to isolate yourself from others, but whether between companies or between individuals, there’s one surprising way to protect yourself: plant positive seeds wherever you go and nurture your network of friends.

Why? Psychologists have found that bullies are typically attracted to people who are socially isolated, and therefore more vulnerable, while they tend to veer away from people who are part of a group.  Therefore, if you make a habit of planting positive seeds wherever you go, you will automatically—and dramatically—reduce your risk of being bullied in the first place.

But, if it’s already become a problem where you work, taking the NICE route instead of stooping to your bully’s level can make a world of difference. Why? Because instead of mirroring the bully’s negative qualities, you will appear more sympathetic in the eyes of others—and that will provide you with a support system that will naturally discourage your bully from attacking you.

For many who have encountered a bully, the first inclination may have been to strike back. But, contrary to what you might think, that’s not the best approach.  As the old cliché goes, “You can’t fight fire with fire.”  This is especially true when it comes to fending off a person who seems to relish pushing your buttons. As counterintuitive as it sounds, the truth is that when it comes to handling a tough guy, NICE is your secret weapon. So, use it to your advantage and discover for yourself how NICE guys really do finish first.

Posted by Linda and Robin