The Bully-Free Workplace: Stop Jerks, Weasels, and Snakes From Killing Your Organization

Leader Task 3: If You Are the Problem, Admit It and Stop

It's one thing if Bob is the problem person. The spread of the problem depends on the rank of the bully and how that person can control the workplace culture for many employees. On the other hand, if you are a senior executive, your negative influence over the organization is greater than anyone else's. The span of despair you could create is unrivaled. So, be careful. We tell people to extricate themselves from bullying workplaces in which the bully is the CEO.

So, how do you know if you are the problem? Here are some warning signs. Check to see how many apply.

Warning Signs That You Are the Bully

• Your job is solely to be the visionary leader, focused only on the marketplace and competitors. Managing and internal operational details are done by others.
• In meetings, your positions are rarely, if ever, challenged as inappropriate or wrong.
• You are always surprised that colleagues and lower-level managers do not have the same high performance standards you have.
• You understand the merits of collaborative decision making, but in the final analysis, and for expediency, the decision is yours.
• Department managers you personally appointed/promoted experience the highest rates of turnover or transfer requests compared with other managers.
• You are straightforward and honest when evaluating others. Yet, others often misunderstand or do not appreciate your “style.”
• If a decision you've made proves to be a critical failure, it was based ...