How I Responded

Anyone who has been bullied will no doubt have received a plethora of advice. Often well intentioned, it is rarely useful and sometimes harmful. The advice often reflects the beliefs that resolution is available through formal channels within the workplace, or that the target can control the situation by standing up to the bully, or not letting it get to them. This chapter describes the many ways the champions tried to address the problem. Many started by trying to adapt to or work around the bully. Most recognised the need for self-care, and yet found it very difficult to find the motivation and energy for it. Some tried to resolve the problem informally with the person concerned or someone they believed could help. More formal approaches included human resources, unions, and formal reporting. For most champions, this made the situation worse. Champions were then left with the difficult decision of whether to stay in the toxic environment or leave.