What has worked for me re: hostile workplace.

[HarryPotter]

arial black

As we all know, hostile workplaces are thriving. Here is how I have handeled it, without getting burned out, stressed out, or sacked.

If a co-worker is harassing you: keep a paper trail!

1) Put everything in writing (use the 5 w's: who, what, where, when, how.

2)Write down your suggestions (be very professional) about how to alleviate the problem.

3) Write down your version of the situation. Be brief but accurate. Use bullets. Be solution oriented. Use "I" statements (not accusatory statements). Write down your version as though your harrasser is a potential professional. Be accurate. Write and re-write it with the goal of good patient care and team work in mind.

4) Take all this paperwork to the co-worker and have a conversation. Have her (or him) initial your solutions and corrections about the situation.

5) Take all to your manager. Ask her (or him) for advise, as you are a professional, want to solve the problem, have a desire to give good patient care and have a committment to have a healthy work environment that contributes to your organization.

6) Ask your manager to invite your co-worker to a meeting (she, or he might suggest it), right there on the spot. Be professional, courteous, make statements like "I want to get along, I want a friendly relationship with you, I want to work as a team for the good of the patients and our organization".

7) Listen carefully to what is said. Keep your calm. Be courteous, friendly, sincere, professional. If your co-worker goes ballistic, do not react in a ballistic way, but rather go back to #5 above. Do not be confrontational. After the meeting, thank your manager and do not leave the meeting first.

8) Ask your co-worker what her (or his) solutions are. What would she (or he) like your relationship to be.

9) Have your manager write down the solutions, agreements, to be signed by all three of you.

10) Write down how the meeting went, what happened, what was said, what were the solutions, etc. Do that right away while its fresh in your mind.

If you have a problem with your manager, do the same, but do not do it alone, go to someone higher up for advise and have them at the meeting.

What not to do:

1) Do not have private conversations with the harrasser about the situation.

2) Do not yell or get into arguments alone or in public with the harrasser.

3) Do not gossip with anyone about the situation.

4) Do not employ any "bully" tactics yourself.

5) Do not complain, rather go for solutions.

Feel free to put me on your buddy list and I will help your work through it for a positive outcome. (I am a Nurse/Community Educator and Mediator re: "Bullys). It will be totally confidential.