Defining Bullying Behavior
Seeing bullying behavior in action can help us to understand it. This exercise will help us start a discussion of what is and is not considered bullying.
Generally, bullies are akin to predators who detect and exploit weakness. They seek easy targets, often aiming for those they perceive will provide the most significant sense of victory. Their behavior revolves around power and control.
Bullies often display the following traits:
- Aggressive and Manipulative: They may act as aggressors, manipulators, and deceitful individuals.
- Misguided Learners: Many have learned that aggression leads to success, viewing bullying as a tool for achieving their goals—one that should ultimately be discarded.
- Irresponsible: They often fail to take responsibility for their actions and their consequences.
- Lack of Empathy: Bullies typically do not recognize how their behavior affects others, often blaming their targets for not being resilient enough.
- Resistance to Change: They are often unwilling to alter their behavior or acknowledge the need for improvement.
Other Types of Bullying
Bullying can take many different forms. Here are some of the most common types:
Corporate Bullying
This occurs when bullying is accepted or tolerated in a company or organization and becomes the culture or a way of life.
Displaced Bullying
Bullies may also behave covertly. A common tactic is to subtly pit two employees against each other and then fan the flames. (In Understanding, Controlling, and Stopping Bullies at Work, expert Margaret Kohut compares it to animal fighting.) The bully is entertained by the spectacle and enjoys the discomfort of the participants.
Serial Bullying
Serial bullies are one of the most dangerous types of perpetrators out there. This bully must always have someone to prey on. They often exhibit similar traits as psychopaths, including:
- Personality swings (Jekyll and Hyde)
- Excellent ability to lie, charm, connive, con, and deceive
- Charming and manipulative
- Poor emotional development, resulting in shallow relationships
Mob Bullying
Mob bullying is when a group of individuals turns on one target, and is also called mobbing.
