3 top tips
Everyone wants a zero-tolerance culture in their workplace. That’s the starting point and many of our clients tell us that they haven’t really got a problem, it’s just that they don’t want to get one. They naturally often measure their workplace situation on the number of cases landing on HR’s desk, but a few of our clients have carried out extensive confidential and/or anonymous staff surveys and found that under the radar, there is some real bullying going on.
Find out what’s really ging on under the radar
Some staff don’t report bullying for several reasons but top of the list has to be things like; they don’t recognise the behaviour as bullying; bullying has become normalised; they don’t think anything will be done; they fear that things might get worse if they report it. So, top of the list, has to be to carry out research on what is really happening out there, so you have some idea of the problem. This can then act as one of the measurement matrix for when the training has been completed.
Make sure that all team leaders/managers get the training they need
This can be preferably alongside rest of the work force where the focus can be on what the difference is between robust performance management and bullying, and what the line manager’s responsibilities are regarding supporting staff who are potential victims of a bully. Above all else, the managers themselves can drive their departments towards zero tolerance by noting their own behaviour, by challenging any offensive language or behaviour, or, by any other means, keeping the topic live on the agenda.
Make sure that the training reaches the hearts and minds of the delegates
It naturally goes that we highly recommend a drama-based approach for this topic, that lends itself so well in terms of being able to depict the potential heartache bullying can cause. We ‘break through the fourth wall’ in many of our sessions with the actor facing the delegates pleading for help and telling us that they think they have no option but to leave. One memorable moment came when we delivered one of our many sessions to staff at Whittington Hospitals NHS Trust and one delegate came to the front and put her arms around the ‘victim’ being portrayed by an actor. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room after that! A memorable moment that those who witnessed will never forget!