In a recent e-bulletin through Diversity@Work, I outlined my thoughts that the matter of bullying and harassment is at high levels in our businesses and communities. I also mentioned that not enough leaders are prepared to jump all over this or take it seriously. It seems that no matter what happens, some people will still not believe that bullying and harassment continues to prevail within our workplaces.
Try telling that to people who cared and loved Alec and in fact the hundreds of people who are bullied daily either physically or emotionally.
I have just read an article about Alec Meikle, a young man who committed suicide, apparently after incidents of bullying and harassment – and this was within one of Australia’s largest employers. To say this is horrendous is an understatement!
Link http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25682452-462,00.html
Not only do the cowards who bully people present a very sad reflection of what’s bad about human beings, it also amazes me how many people, managers, leaders are prepared to either close an eye to incidents or kid themselves it doesn’t happen. This incident wasn’t a spontaneous spur of the moment thing – it was ongoing, malicious, group bullying.
So who’s at fault?
The bully
The bully’s mates who think it’s funny
The manager
The company
Society
It’s great to see the our politicians are reacting to try to provide a framework to deal with this – however the reality is that the collective “we” should be taking stock of our values and our standards!
Time will allow provide the answer from the “system” - a mirror would answer the question to those brave enough to look.
On Alec, I am so sad for his family and for him. This should not have happened or been allowed to happen in our business community - not in this country.
What are your thoughts? How do we deal with an environment that allows bullying? How do we stop more tragedies like this from occurring?
Mark
Hi Mark
I wonder whether people have the ability to evolve to the stage where bullying won’t happen. Dhalai Lama and Budhists have got past violence but they are persecuted for this. Let’s hope that one day our planet will be free of all violence. We are caught in a horrible behavioural loop that seems to go on through the centuries. Fingers crossed we evolve into humans that won’t allow violence or bullying of any kind. (ps, am not yet a diversity officer but been to one workshop). Diana
I went to primary school with Alec in NZ. Same year and all. Quite a shock really. Small world.