This post focuses on recognizing and addressing bullying—behavior that remains far too common in schools, workplaces, teams, and families.
I remember how shocked I was to read the story of a young Irish girl who moved to Massachusetts and became the target of relentless bullying by her peers. The abuse escalated while adults and classmates failed to intervene, and tragically, it ended in her suicide. Stories like this are painful reminders of the real and lasting harm bullying can cause when it is ignored or normalized.
This issue resonated deeply with me because I experienced bullying firsthand as a teenager after transferring to a new high school. As a newcomer, I became the target of intimidation, harassment, and social isolation. While one courageous peer eventually intervened—and the bullying stopped—the experience left a lasting impression. It reinforced for me how vulnerable people can be when others look the other way, and how powerful it is when someone chooses to step in.
The purpose of sharing this is not to glorify confrontation or retaliation, but to underscore a critical point: bullying thrives in environments where it is tolerated. Whether it takes the form of physical intimidation, verbal abuse, gossip, exclusion, or the undermining of someone’s credibility, the impact is damaging and often cumulative.
In many professional and organizational settings, bullying is less overt but equally destructive. It can show up as persistent negativity, gossip, withholding information, public belittling, or subtle efforts to discredit others. These behaviors erode trust, psychological safety, and performance. Left unaddressed, they create cultures where fear replaces collaboration.
Addressing bullying requires clarity and courage. When inappropriate behavior occurs, it must be named and challenged. This can be as simple as shutting down gossip, calling attention to disrespectful comments, or reminding others of shared values and professional standards. In more serious cases, it may require formal intervention—documenting behavior, involving leadership or human resources, or providing training on harassment and emotional abuse.
If you are the target of bullying, seek support and persist until action is taken. Reporting concerns may feel uncomfortable, but doing so protects not only you, but others who may be affected. In many cases, individual courage has led organizations to implement healthier policies and prevent further harm.
Pay close attention to the dynamics around you. Speak up when you see bullying. Refuse to participate in it. Support those who are being targeted. Environments that tolerate bullying are neither safe nor productive—and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring they do not persist.
Kathleen