Women and Bullies

In a post on this blog last month, I mentioned the phenomenon of workplace bullies. Now, a recent article in the New York Times focuses attention on a special form of work place bullying: women who bully other women.

Reporter Mickey Meece provides context in her article by noting the special challenges that women face in achieving higher rank within the work force, and also how stereotypes held by both men and women and can make it difficult for women and taint the perceptions of their performance. Meece offers information about the costs in retention and retraining that can come when bullies are not brought under control.

In an additional warning, Meece writes: "During this downturn, as stress levels rise, workplace researchers say, bullies are likely to sharpen their elbows and ratchet up their attacks."

Another reason why forward-thinking leaders should be looking for signs of bullying, and ready to stop it in its tracks.

Once again, the link to the New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/business/10women.html?em