BBC Home

Explore the BBC

Front Page

Life | The Universe | Everything | Advanced Search
 
Front PageReadTalkContributeHelp!FeedbackWho is Online
New visitors: Create your membership
Returning members: Sign in
 
This is the Conversation Forum for Dealing with Harassment at Work
<< jokes...
preemptive action >>

Subject: Stating the obvious
Posted Feb 4, 2003 by
Nightowl
 
Posting 1

There are some things that, although obvious, should be stated here. Especially when we are stressed we tend to forget them:

1. Always be professional. There is rarely need for you to let yourself down to the level of your harrasser. Always try to make your words and actions above reproach.

2. Hold your ground wherever possible, and without emotion, if you can.

3. Use your union or professional organization. That's what they are there for. Avoid one-on-one encounters, especially with a bully boss. You are entitled to representation, or at very least a witness, and advice. This does not diminish or compromise you. It's professional.

4. Cover your actions with paper. Document encounters and responses. (The pen really is mightier, if you use it.)

5. Remember that beyond whatever limited rights you have as an employee, you have rights as a citizen. They are not negotiable. Your legal rights are guaranteed; and bullies, harrassers, and organizations are usually cowed by any formal reference to them.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of these things. I think they make harrassment very much more difficult.

This is not a sermon, but a meditation.

Be happy in your work.



Reply
Click here to register a complaint about this Posting




Already at Start of ConversationNo Older Postings to ShowNo Newer Postings to ShowAlready at End of Conversation
Postings 1-20

Conversation list


Most of the content on h2g2 is created by h2g2's Researchers, who are members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site's House Rules, please click on the relevant button to alert our Moderation Team.


Already at Start of ConversationNo Older Postings to ShowNo Newer Postings to ShowAlready at End of Conversation
Postings 1-20

Conversation list

Front PageReadTalkContributeHelp!FeedbackWho is Online

Most of the content on h2g2 is created by h2g2's Researchers, who are members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site's House Rules, please click here. For any other comments, please click on the Feedback button above.


About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy