104 | How To Handle A Bullying Coworker At Work

Your boss might be fine, but your coworker is slowly making the job unbearable. That’s the hidden reality of employee-to-employee workplace bullying, and it often gets brushed off as “office humor,” “competitiveness,” or a “strong personality” until the team starts cracking. We break down the difference between normal workplace conflict and repeated conduct meant to intimidate, humiliate, undermine, or isolate. I share clear examples you can actually recognize in real time: being excluded from key information, getting ridiculed in meetings, rumors that damage credibility, group chats used to mock colleagues, and the exhausting moment when everyone sees it but no one wants to get involved. Then we get practical with what to do next, including how to address the behavior directly when it’s safe, why retaliation backfires, and how to document incidents so the pattern is undeniable. For managers and HR, we get specific about your responsibility to act. I walk through practical management strategies: gather facts quickly, meet with people individually and impartially, focus on documented behavior over popularity, apply expectations consistently, and follow up to make sure the behavior stops and retaliation doesn’t start. We also name the dangerous exception leaders sometimes make: protecting a bully because they’re a high performer. Performance should never become permission to mistreat people, and long-term results always suffer when talent is used as a shield. If you want a healthier culture, start here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more leaders stop calling bullying a “personality conflict.” Send us Fan Mail J. Christine Beauty Innovative cosmetics that combine beauty and elegance. Brooks Demming Coaching Dr. Brooks empowers women to overcome adversity by developing resilience. She understands that life Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Disclaimer: The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners. All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented. By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.