TARGETS and BYSTANDERS

Individuals, when accused of bullying, can become defensive and will proclaim that they are not a bully. Yet, when these same individuals are shown a bullying framework and degrees of behaviours are discussed, they can understand how another may view their actions as bullying. They are then open to learn and adjust how they interact and positively engage in dialogue, even a heated disagreement, without using abusive behaviours.

Many people adopt behaviours due to organisational cultural norms ('the way things are done around here'). It does not make the behaviours right but with correct identification, the doors can be open to understanding the harmful behaviours, the cost impact to the organisation, and then to changing the behaviours.