Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 8.9
BULLYING, INTIMIDATION & INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT
Supervisors have power.
How they use it matters.
Bullying or intimidation may include repeated or serious behavior such as:
- insults
- threats
- public humiliation
- deliberately isolating someone
- using authority to frighten
- retaliation
- degrading remarks
- inappropriate sexual comments or conduct
Not every firm instruction is bullying.
Not every disagreement is harassment.
The behavior and context matter.
Poor
“Everyone knows you are useless. I’ll make sure nobody gives you another opportunity here.”
Better
“This performance issue needs to be addressed. I’m going to explain the standard, the concern and the next step.”
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
Supervisor repeatedly mocks an employee in team meetings.
That may become bullying behavior.
EXAMPLE 2
Supervisor gives a legitimate correction firmly and privately.
Firm correction is not automatically bullying.
EXAMPLE 3
Supervisor suggests workplace benefits will depend on accepting personal or sexual attention.
That is serious inappropriate conduct and should be escalated.
EXAMPLE 4
Supervisor threatens retaliation if an employee reports a concern.
That is intimidation.
Remember
Authority should never become a tool for personal coercion.
Workplace action
Ask: Would I consider this behavior acceptable if it were directed at me?
Quick Check
Which behavior is most clearly inappropriate?