Understanding and Addressing Workplace Bullying

Confronting Bullies in the Workplace and Mediation with Bill Eddy and Michael Lomax

In the second episode of the World of Bullies series, Bill and Megan welcome Michael Lomax to explore bullying in the workplace and mediation. As co-founders of the High Conflict Institute and an esteemed speaker, respectively, they share their expertise on handling high conflict personalities in professional settings.

Bill and Michael emphasize the importance of managers thoroughly investigating bullying allegations and understanding the key characteristics of bullies, such as a lack of self-restraint, empathy, and remorse. They also discuss how bullies use emotional tactics to manipulate their targets and recruit negative advocates. Michael shares his experience meeting with alleged bullies who often present themselves as victims.

Questions we answer in this episode:

• What are the key characteristics of a workplace bully?
• How can managers effectively respond to bullying allegations?
• How can mediators handle high conflict personalities in mediation?

Key Takeaways:

• Managers should approach bullying allegations with a healthy skepticism and thoroughly investigate complaints.
• Bullies often lack self-restraint, empathy, and remorse, and may recruit negative advocates to help target their victims.
• Mediators can effectively handle high conflict personalities by remaining calm, setting boundaries, and focusing on realistic objectives.

This episode provides valuable insights and strategies for navigating bullying in the workplace and mediation, equipping listeners with the tools needed to create a healthier work environment.

Links & Other Notes

• BOOKS
  • Our New World of Adult Bullies—How to Spot Them/How to Stop Them (June 2024) By Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq.
  • Mediating High Conflict Disputes (By Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq., and Michael Lomax, JD)
• BULLY DYNAMICS WEBINARS
  • Bully Dynamics in Families (September - will be 4 sessions over 4 weeks)
  • Bully Dynamics at Work (October - will be 4 sessions over 4 weeks)
  • Bully Dynamics in Communities (November - will be 4 sessions over 4 weeks)
• ARTICLES
  • Setting Limits and Imposing Consequences in 2 1/2 Steps
• COACHING CURRICULUM
  • New Ways for Work®: Coaching Manual (for workplace coaches)
  • New Ways for Work®: Workbook (for coachees)
• OUR WEBSITE: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/
• Submit a Question for Bill and Megan
• All of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.
• You can also find these show notes at our site as well.

Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.

• (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
• (00:41) - World of Bullies #2: Bullying in the Workplace and in Mediation
• (01:22) - Michael Lomax's Background
• (03:58) - Bullies in the Workplace
• (23:17) - Bullies in Mediation
• (39:53) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: Bullies in Families

Learn more about our New Ways for Mediation Coaching Sessions. Get started today!