Donald Trump is a Workplace Bully and It Matters to Workers
Workplace bullying as an increasing issue is not taken seriously in the United States. However, Americans may want to pay more attention to workplace bullying because it seems that Mr. Trump is a bully. His lack of professional behavior sets the stage for what is appropriate for leaders and in the workplace. Like it or not, Mr. Trump is a role model for people at their jobs and thus far, he has demonstrated typical workplace bullying behavior, and this should scare workers everywhere.
With a Ph.D. in sociology and founder of Support to Transform Organizational Practice — an organization aimed at reducing workplace aggression — I can tell you with certainty: experts agree that workplace bullies are a detriment to work environments and the impact of bullying is catastrophic.
The workplace bully engages in many types of destructive behavior, including but not limited to: name-calling, lying, manipulation, temper tantrums, retaliation and gross mood swings. Bullies have no self-reflection skills and everyone else is always to blame. No exceptions. This knowledge can help us understand the behavior of Mr. Trump so we can cope effectively.
Workplace bullies make condescension an art form, and Mr. Trump is famous for abuse. The New York Times published a list of persons and organizations that Mr. Trump insulted and, on February 7, 2017, there were 307 people, places and things on the list. The breadth of Trump’s insults demonstrates how bullies normalize abuse.
Lying is a vital for bullies because it lets them to position themselves in a much better light than what the reality is. Trump’s statements were given the PoltiFact’s 2015 Lie of the Year Award . Trump lies so often that even he is unable to decipher what is true and what is not. His lies have meaning. They boost his agenda, create distraction, and purposefully create chaos. Today, he uses falsehoods as a means of diverting the public’s attention away from him, a common tactic for a workplace bully.
In fact, Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway went on national media and defended Trump’s obvious lies, depicting them as truths and later “alternative facts.” Many were outraged by their responses; however, from a workplace bullying perspective, this behavior is not only expected by the bully, but it is commonplace by those aligned with the bully. In this case, Spicer and Conway are minions who understand what behavior is rewarded and what is not. The climate of fear that this oppressor is inflicting is almost beyond comprehension for those not living it, but it is normalized for those who are. Their behavior is not excusable; however, it is understandable.
Workplace bullies do not stop lying even when facts are present. When challenged, a new lie is spun that will hopefully rewrite history. The most recent falsehood for the bully is an attempt to get people to challenge their own version of reality. In conjunction with manifesting new stories, the bully uses others to support their new improved version of the truth.
According to the New York Times, Mr. Trump mocked Serve Kovaleski, a reporter with a disability, and then stated, “Now the poor guy, you ought to see this guy,” said Trump, before jerking his arms around and holding his right hand at an angle. Priorities USA Action launched an ad outlining how Trump ridiculed Mr. Kovaleski, and Politifact confirmed the ad as credible; however, Trump vehemently denies this.
For the bully, this behavior is purposeful, creating a new reality by using narratives that suit themselves. Even Fox News attempted to reframe Mr. Trump’s bullying towards Mr. Kovaleski in a way that was favorable to Mr. Trump, reporting “Donald Trump, it turns out is not very good at impressions — but that could be his alibi against persistent accusations that he mocked a reporter’s disability last fall.” This new version of reality supports a narrative that Mr. Trump mimics everyone and, therefore, his behavior toward the journalist is acceptable. Instead agreeing that Trump’s mockery was a mistake, Fox’s reporting narrates Trump’s decision as normal and a natural component of his speaking.
Workplace bullies use deception and grandiose statements to build up their image. Bullies hide behind untruths and false realities to shroud themselves and others from who they really are. Trump’s Twitter documents his use of over exaggeration. “I am attracting the biggest crowds by far” and “My IQ is the highest. By far” are two examples. These techniques are self-promoting to get others to see the bully as they desire to be seen. For all of Mr. Trump’s tweets about how he is the greatest, the reality is that he is merely human with insecurities, and is unable to face them.
The use of fear, intimidation and retaliation are weapons used by bullies. These tools are effective to keep workers in line so they keep quiet and do the bully’s bidding. Mr. Trump has demonstrated that he masterfully wields these weapons. In 2017, Politico reported that Trump ordered an information lockdown on federal agencies ability who posted public information that he viewed as opposing him. These acts are purposeful with a clear motive to incite fear by reminding employees that if you betray Mr. Trump, the hammer will fall. We have already seen this with people who stand up against him. Despite their office, he thinks he can still say, “You’re fired.”
In addition, Trump views organized protests like the Women’s March as personal attacks, triggering retaliation. In January, Trump used Twitter to communicate his feelings on the march, writing, “Watched protests yesterday, but was under the impression that we just had an election! Why didn’t these people vote? Celebs hurt cause badly.” Not only did he verbally criticize the marchers, his actions regarding women’s rights, including the global gag rule, are retaliatory. A workplace bully has a strong desire to get even when pushed into a corner. Using executive orders, Mr. Trump retaliated on many groups of people who participated in the Women’s Marches, including women.
A bully creates havoc and bad behavior is rewarded. Others see this and replicate his unprofessional behavior. His behavior will be the norm and not the exception. Mr. Trump will be a role model for many as to what is professional behavior at work. At this point, he is demonstrating behavior that many do not want to see at work. His conduct will trickle down into work environments and intensify workplace bullying everywhere.
In a few short days, Mr. Trump created fear and anxiety in the United States and the global community. He has demonstrated that he will hit back against his challengers. The amount of power he has provides him with a large arsenal to retaliate. He is a bully and he will use it.
Bullies create fear. They use retaliation to control others and so people will maintain silence. Fear fuels a bully, but actions take the wind out of their sails. When Trump retaliates, the response must be that people find the courage to stand up against him. When people start to speak out, he will go after and harm some. However, he cannot come after us all. So, the more people who stand up, the better it is for everyone.
Bullies thrive on attention, and, as a strategy, resistance efforts can capitalize on Trump’s insecurity. He is afraid of the resistance movement that is growing. The media should capitalize on this as much as possible. Headlines should regularly contain the progress of the resistance and most importantly, how it is undermining Trump’s agenda. Reporting on the resistance will provide hope to the people and this will be important as people resist the bully.
Congressmen can also send messages to their constituents to provide encouragement. The people need to know what their representatives are doing to combat Trump as well as what they can do. People want to get involved politically. This is an opportunity for senators and representatives should rally the troops to increase the resistance against Trump, the ultimate workplace bully.
When bullies are expected to behave, they push back. When Trump feels the pressure increase, his bullying will surge. Mr. Trump represents America and answers to the public. The line of accountability must be drawn to show that workplace bullying, even by Trump, will not be tolerated. Congress must exercise their power, no matter how difficult. This will be their true test. Do they care about the America, the global community, or Trump? They must hold him responsible to the minimum standards of a president of the United States
It is much easier to support the bully than it is to do what is right. Workplace bullies manipulate people to get them to work for their agenda. We support each other and not turn our backs on each other, no matter what. We do not have to agree on everything, but we cannot afford to give up our freedoms or sacrifice the freedom of others. This is not the American way.
