KILL THE JAILER Warzone 2.0 Gulag
1The Trauma of Workplace Bullying
Have you ever found yourself in the position of being the target (scapegoat) of aworkplace bully? Have you been gossiped about, ostracized, or scrutinized by your coworkers or boss and found to be lacking?
How can you tell if you are being scapegoated at work? Here are some questions to answer:
Do you find yourself being ignored, overlooked, and isolated? Do you feel that everyone knows a secret but you?
Are you unsure of therules but get in big trouble when you break one and the repercussions do not match the infractions?
Do people treat you disrespectfully, condescendingly, and insultingly?
Do you feel confused about how you are treated by others?
Have you been reprimanded or blamed for innocuous offenses, such as being five minutes late to a meeting, or standing the wrong way, or answering the phone improperly; all the while watching your coworkers committingsimilar or worse infractions with no consequences? Do you feel that you live in a world of double standards?
Are you losing yourself and your voice in the workplace because every time you try to share a good idea you get put down or dismissed?
Do you feel as if you have been ambushed, unsure of what you are experiencing?
Do your bosses or colleagues correct your language or use of words, or feel a need to point out that what you said was somehow wrong (once again)?
Do others sigh impatiently, roll their eyes, or otherwise belittle you?
Do you feel like a bad child at work?
While this list is not exhaustive, it certainly is a good sampling of symptoms of workplace bullying, scapegoating, or mobbing. (Bullying tends to involve one individual, while mobbing involves a group. Keep in mind that every mob has a ring leader.)