Corporate Bullying: My Personal Journey
What is Corporate Bullying?
Bullying is a pervasive issue that is typically dismissed in the school system as ‘just kids being kids,’ and just as often, it goes unnoticed in the corporate world. While it may not involve physical harm, the emotional and psychological toll that bullying takes on individuals can be devastating.
Corporate bullying, also known as workplace bullying, is the repeated and harmful mistreatment of an employee by one or more colleagues. It can manifest in various forms, including verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, or undermining an individual's confidence and self-esteem. Often, corporate bullying targets those who are perceived as different, whether it's due to their personality, background, or unique qualities, in my case, even hair colour.
My Personal Journey: Living in Multiple Countries
As someone who has lived in four different countries, I've had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures and being with people from various backgrounds. Each new environment brought unique challenges and opportunities, and my adaptability became one of my greatest strengths.
However, my quirky personality, characterized by a love for creative problem-solving, a penchant for certain fashion choices, and an offbeat sense of humor, often made me stand out in the corporate world. As a result, I was targeted by an organization that failed to appreciate diversity – a striking contrast to what my lived experiences have taught me about the value of diversity over the years.
From Scotland to Jamaica
Moving from Scotland to Jamaica at the age of seven introduced me to a world of new dialects, vibrant culture, sweltering weather, and spicy foods that challenged my British taste buds. My first day of school in Jamaica was a memorable, albeit nerve-wracking experience. It was December, just before Christmas, and the class was busy decorating a tree. As the only white student in the class, I feared being ridiculed for my Scottish name (I’ll leave that one out lol). They asked me to place the first star on the tree, and in my overwhelming anxiety, I fainted.
I woke up to a mix of reactions from my classmates - some laughed, some were shocked, and others were incredibly nurturing. The next day, I refused to go to school, but my strict British parents wouldn't allow it. With trepidation, I returned to the classroom, where my classmates surprised me by jumping up and singing "One Love" by Bob Marley. That was the moment my love affair with reggae music began. The power of music can bridge cultural gaps and bring people together, highlighting the importance of acceptance and open-mindedness in an increasingly diverse world.
From Jamaica to the Canadian Corporate World
In Canada, I thought I had found a more laid-back atmosphere where my ‘style’ and experiences would be celebrated. However, the organization I joined had a deeply ingrained culture of conformity. My attempts to introduce innovative ideas, openness, humour and curiosity, were met with resistance, and I became the target of subtle but persistent bullying tactics.
Corporate bullying takes a significant toll on individuals. It can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. In my case, it eroded my self-confidence and left me questioning my worth as a professional. I realized that the problem was not solely about my personality. It was about organizations failing to embrace diversity and individuality.
Forty Years Old: Managing Partner and Adopting a Chinese Baby? How Dare You!
At forty, I was a junior partner in a startup, and things were going great. But then, I had an existential crisis: Who was I beyond the corporate world? What legacy would I leave on this planet? That's when I embarked on my journey to adopt a daughter from China. She was a delightful thirteen-month-old bundle of joy. But just as I was starting to enjoy motherhood, the senior partners (all men) summoned me with questions like, "How long will you be off?" and "What were you thinking?"
Being the diligent professional I am, I took a mere two weeks off, hired a live-in nanny, and missed out on the next 12 months of her first smiles, steps, and potty-training adventures. It wasn't until one of those senior partners casually remarked, "You can't be both a successful professional and an effective mom at the same time, Susan. Which one will you choose?" that I realized I needed to reevaluate my priorities.
Let’s Do Better!
My journey isn’t unique, and it isn’t even close to the horrors a great many are faced with in life and at work. It has taught me the importance of celebrating diversity and individuality in the corporate world. Corporate bullying can have a devastating impact on those who don't conform to the traditional norms, but it's essential for both individuals and organizations to recognize the value of unique perspectives and personalities.
As we strive for more inclusive workplaces, let’s remember that it's our differences that often lead to innovation and creativity. Embracing diversity and ending corporate bullying is not only the right thing to do but also a crucial step toward building healthier and more productive organizations.
- Written by Susan Robb
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This thought leadership article was written as part of Blanchard Community's cyberbullying prevention initiative. To learn more and be part of it, check out our Cyberbullying Prevention section.