When You Work for a Bully: Assessing Your Options and Taking Action

by Susan Futterman

For employees who are tired of constant confrontation, this book provides instructions for leaving an abusive situation in the workplace in a dignified way and moving on in a manner that is financially practical. Employees learn the numerous exit strategies available to get out of the abusive work situation, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each. From the decision-making process that will determine an employee’s next steps to the information needed to implement this decision, this book provides the data and resources to make those difficult choices as well as the knowledge required to set them into action. Advice on everything from knowing how to identify a bully to utilizing self-defense tactics and budgeting finances enables bullied employees to take control of complicated and uncomfortable situations.

245 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is very good for the subject matter covered. The title is misleading. The book is *not* about coping strategies for a person who works for a bully.

The book is about exit strategies. In other words the book is about getting away from the bully -- various paths and what is involved.

The thing that was most helpful to me was the beginning section which explained the stunning physical, mental and emotional consequences of remaining in a toxic environment. The author validated my belief that the best alternative is to get away from the bully.

It would be nice to rehabilitate the bully, to prevent others from being bullied, or even to get the bully to acknowledge that what he or she did was wrong. But to gamble your physical and mental well-being for these goals is probably not wise.

The book unfortunately doesn't offer strategies for making career-enhancing moves to other departments or to other employers. The author does mention those options, but offers no approaches or methods for doing so.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for anyone who is bullied in the workforce. I worked for bullies twice. Both times they were women. The first one fired me, and it was one of the best days of my life. My hair had been falling out in clumps, and I'd have nightmares about work. She would gaslight me everyday and retaliate if I took a lunch break, call me on site after hours, etc. It was so wonderful to be done with that job, and although it's been more than a decade, this book brought back those memories. I was so fortunate that things ended as well for me as they did. Several case studies from this book did not end up so well, so if you are in that situation, this is a fabulous book for you, full of citations and sources.