POV: Dealing with a Bully at Work

I attended a Masterclass on “How to Win at Work” by Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, who teaches Organizational Behaviour at Stanford University.

One part of his lecture caught my attention.

He said it’s appropriate to show anger, even to bosses, especially the boss is a bully.

He added, “Modulate your emotional response to the emotional response of the person you’re dealing with.”

So when you feel bullied at work, make it clear you’re not accepting that behaviour. Let the person know you’re unhappy about it.

If you need to show a little anger, that’s okay.
You need to stand up for yourself.

But I also understand, many people freeze or stay silent because they want to avoid conflict.
Here are ways to stand up for yourself without being aggressive:

💡 Keep our voice calm, steady, and professional. This assertively sets a boundary without hostility:
💬 “I don’t appreciate being spoken to like this. Can we continue this discussion more respectfully?”

💡 Speak neutrally with minimal emotion. This makes the other person aware of their action:
💬 “That comment felt inappropriate. Please don’t repeat it.”

💡 Use a curious, measured tone. This disrupts the bully’s rhythm and reframes the conversation:
💬 “Can you explain why you’re raising your voice? I’d like us to find a solution.”

And if all fails, escalate if needed.

💡 Speak firmly and confidently without sounding aggressive. This signals we’re willing to stand our ground and there will be accountability.
💬 “I’d like to continue this discussion with HR present to ensure fairness.”

If we don’t want to walk over like a doormat, we need to stop behaving like one.
Respect starts with how much we respect ourselves.

Gitu.

xoxoxo, AuntyHR

17 thoughts on “POV: Dealing with a Bully at Work”

  1. Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out.
    Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks a lot

    Feel free to visit my web page :: findsome.ru

    Reply
  2. Thank you for any other informative site. Where else may I am getting that kind
    of information written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a project
    that I’m simply now running on, and I have been on the
    glance out for such info.

    my web-site :: luxchecker pm

    Reply
  3. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over
    that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

    Feel free to visit my website :: ultimateshop login

    Reply
  4. I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking
    for. Would you offer guest writers to write content to suit your
    needs? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects
    you write about here. Again, awesome web log!

    Stop by my blog briansclub cm

    Reply
  5. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
    my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get setup?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or
    advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

    Here is my blog bclub

    Reply
  6. Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is just
    cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.

    Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep
    updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

    Stop by my website – prozone cc

    Reply
  7. Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which
    blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting sick
    and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with
    hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a
    good platform.

    Feel free to visit my homepage; jerrys

    Reply
  8. Hi there, I believe your blog could be having browser compatibility problems.

    Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it’s got some
    overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
    Besides that, fantastic site!

    Feel free to visit my web-site … tox23

    Reply
  9. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m
    impressed! Very helpful info particularly the last
    part 🙂 I maintain such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very
    long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    my page … bclub

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Tutu Ku Cancel reply

AuntyHRâ„¢

Also known as Professional Bimbo

Footer-01

Ku Sim Ling, fondly known as AuntyHRâ„¢ on social media, is a seasoned HR expert with 20 years of experience in the workforce solutions industry. With half a million followers across LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, she's influencing the HR landscape from Malaysia.

CCN-Logo-03

Cursors Choice Network (M) Sdn Bhd
Registration: 202501053986 (1655392­V)

© AuntyHR™ 2026  ♡ Privacy Policy
All rights reserved. Site handcrafted by Eric Siew.