Have you demanded to be treated properly? Did you make that demand clear to the bully? Oftentimes,  employees feel powerless when they are bullied at the workplace. So, they cave-in to their bullies; they surrender. However, workers can employ the “demand strategy” to stand up to bullies.  They should demand suitable and acceptable treatment.

Demand Proper Treatment

Tell the bully how you want to be treated and what’s acceptable to you.  You can simply say,“ Next time when you talk to me, don’t yell at me.” or “I can help you better if you don’t intimidate me.” All you need is a sentence or two that you utilize regularly.

Avoid Unnecessary Threats

You don’t need to threaten the bully with an action when you demand the proper treatment that you deserve. You don’t need to say, “ don’t yell at me or else.” Just demand what you think is an acceptable treatment. 

Tips to Enhance the Technique

1. Use a mild tone when asking. Speak with confidence and make your point known.
2.  Express clearly what constitutes proper treatment for you. For example, you can say, “Next time you talk to me, keep your voice down.”
3. Follow up with an email restating your point. Keep the email short and professional. You can even be funny and write, “it was nice talking to you in the hallway,”  and then confirm your point. If you need help composing your follow up email, use the contact page, and I will help you.