Bullies. We all know one.
Bullying is the abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger or more powerful. The behavior is often repeated and habitual.
When we’re young, we typically first learn of bullies at school or in the neighborhood. It starts with ongoing name calling, threats, negative comments about someone’s attributes. Possibly escalates to physical intimidation, exclusionary tactics, and possibly haranguing someone by spreading mean words, lies and false rumors about them. By the time we’re out of school we’re thrilled at the thought of never having to face those bullies again.
But we’re wrong. We definitely see them again.
But why? Because bullies on the schoolyard become bullies in the workplace and at home. They become our coworkers, our managers, and other forces in our lives in positions of power.
The reality is: BULLIES STAY BULLIES. As they get older, they often just become older, more privileged, arrogant, and emboldened.