Some colleagues take on the role of unofficial manager, making sure to set you straight when you err. This can be irritating, though harmless; sometimes, however, the pseudo boss is actually just a bully who is happiest when creating a toxic work environment.
“An attitude where a colleague adopts a sense of self-importance and unofficial authority can sometimes cross into the realm of adult office bullying. Individuals with this mindset often feel entitled to monitor, correct or control the actions of their peers, even when they lack the formal authority to do so,” says Peter Kriel, general manager at The Independent Institute of Education.
He says:
- Bullies try to diminish or sabotage others' work by withholding crucial information or setting them up for failure;
- Bullies manipulate situations to their advantage, take credit for others' work and spread rumours or use other ways to tarnish people's reputations;
- A bully who holds a position of authority will usually misuse the power they have to unsettle the team and create a culture of fear;
- Bullies will often play the victim to justify their behaviour; they may claim their target is lazy or untrustworthy, so any sympathy goes to bully;
- Physical intimidation is rare, but verbal abuse, belittling and even silent treatment are commonly used; and
- Bullies often use gaslighting to make their target question their own experience and lead them to believe they may be overreacting.
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