Dealing with Bullies in the Healthcare Workplace

I know that you know that they know that I know that you know that if you work in a professional healthcare environment of any type, be it a hospital, clinic, insurance company, long term care facility or even on a cruise ship, you have encountered "The Bully".  You know just who I am referring to, don't you?  The bitchy manipulator who always seems to get their way and will "sick their clique" on ya, just for the sake of their entertainment.  Actually, it's no so much entertainment than it is the Bully's need to feel better about themselves.  Poor Bully.  Poor sense of self worth and self esteem, Bully. 

Bullying behavior is actually a dysfunctional coping mechanisim that an individual incorporates into their reality as a method of protection from harm.  These individuals are always right and clearly have more experience and knowledge than anyone who is fortunate to be in their company.  Or, so they like to project.  However the truth is on some level that these folks have been shamed, victimized or traumatized in their early life, and they will be damned if you or anyone will be considered better than them, in any way. 

While this indeed is an unfortunate circumstance for them, you as their co-worker do not need to tolerate their lack of desire to address their pathologic issues.  As adults, we have a responsiblity in the workplace to function as professionals.  We also have the right to protect ourselves from another's unhealthy behaviors by embracing boundaries.  Yeah, that's what creates these monsters.  So, the next obvious question is, what steps can you take in order to minimize the bully's impact on your work day?

1. Visualize them hanging upside down by their toenails, screaming for mercy.  Stop.  That's mean.
2. Test the waters:  When you are being spoken to by a bullying individual, try to tap into what they are not able to say. 
3. Imagine as though the interaction is taking place at the Flintstone residence.  If you only had clubs and communicated with grunts, what primal emotions would surface?  You will realize that Bullys live in fear.
4. When a Bully or one of their indoctrinated posse attempts communication with you and the tone is that of  humiliation, never respond with venom.  React with cool professionalism.   Your reaction will set the tone for an increasingly healthy work relationship, as by not lashing back, you are employing healthy boundaries.  This will automatically and energetically shift the tone of your relationship.
5. Confrontation only serves to spit gasoline on the Bully's firey behavior. 
6. Remain true to yourself.  Remember that you deserve a safe and healthy workplace environment.  Your outward tone will dictate to others that you expect a respectful and professional experience.