ROC in Ottawa
Finding our voice on the journey of Resilience, Optimism and Courage in dealing with bullies in the workplace. People often ask me why do I keep speaking up? My answer is that they are bullies everywhere.
People who truly believe they are entitled, that they have the right to abuse other people at home, in public places and in the workplace. That somehow, they are entitled, better and worthy of never being accountable. WRONG!
Silence keeps us prisoners.
From my perspective remaining silent, then I am part of the problem, by allowing this behaviour to continue. Having survived workplace bullying and being diagnosed with PTSD it has been my passion and is my passion to keep speaking up. To help others speak up, to help others find their voice. Why? Because the suffering of the many victims can be life threatening.
It is important to note, that speaking up is not a way of laying blame, or shaming people, simply a way to provide education on effective leadership, communication skills, conflict resolution training and interpersonal relationships. If no one says anything then nothing changes!
Sharing the lessons with the RCMP to move forward.
In April, it was a wonderful opportunity to provide further education by presenting at RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa on Resilience, Optimism and Courage.
There are good people in the RCMP organization, I know I worked with them, who want to do the right thing, who wanted to do the right thing but the system was damaged. The world is a different place, and most organizations including the RCMP have embraced respectful workplace policies. Important to note that policies are only as effective as the good people willing to enforce them everyday. In many cases that requires courage to speak up.
Change takes time, we cannot change people what we can do is provide strategies that create a respectful workplace culture and rejects bullying and harassment.
A no ‘bullying/asshole’ policy. Yes the ‘a’ word.
Create a workplace culture that makes employees, all employees from top management to each worker, feel safe to make a complaint. Adhering to the mission statement that ‘this is a respectful workplace’. Hiring people who reflect that philosophy. Making those who continue with bullying accountable.
Arriving to this day, was an incredible journey, 20 long years. I am incredibly proud to have been asked to share the lessons. We can learn from each other if we are willing. Putting aside our egos, unconscious biases and attitudes to just get along.
We cannot deny the past nor can we change it, what we can do is take the lessons. We have a choice. Having the right tools and strategies is key to finding your voice to empowerment and happiness. It is a choice in how we react, respond and what we retain when dealing with a bully in the workplace.
A good employee who feels valued and respected in the workplace is like GOLD. Be a bully boss and see what happens. Sick days, accidents, poor concentration on projects, low staff moral, turnover and damage to business reputation. Leadership can keep them or loose them. It just makes good dollars and sense.