How to Identify Workplace Bullying and Tips for Victims | Jonathan Martin & Richie Incognito Bully Expert Dana West

By Published On: December 6th, 20133 min read

Bullying and sports have made headlines since October 28, 2013 when Jonathan Martin, a 24-year-old offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins left his team after reporting he was bullied by veteran teammate Richie Incognito.  Martin accused Incognito and others on the team of harassment, physical violence and constant vulgar comments.  After the allegations surfaced, the Miami Dolphins suspended Incognito for conduct detrimental to the team. But some players on the team, commentators and others in the NFL defended Incognito, saying his actions were just a part of NFL locker room culture.  Is this normal guy talk or emotional abuse?

The Workplace Bullying Institute defines workplace bullying as a repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons (the targets) by one or more perpetrators that takes one or more of the following forms:

  1. Verbal abuse – name calling, cursing, accusing, & racial slurs
  2. Offensive conduct/behaviors (including nonverbal) which are threatening, humiliating, or intimidating
  3. Work interference — sabotage — which prevents work from getting done

Richie Incognito Jonathan Martin Miami Dolphins Bullying Case Workplace Violence Tips

Did you know that 35% of the American workforce report being bullied at work?  Workplace bullying is reported more than sexual harassment and racial discrimination.  If you are being bullied at work know that you are not alone and that it is not your fault.

Perpetrators of workplace bullying tend to choose targets who are a supposed threat in their minds.  According to Workplace Bullying Institute their research studies in 2000 founded that targets appear to be:

  1. The veteran | Most skilled person in the workgroup.
  2. Independent and are more technically skilled than their bullies | They are the “go-to” veteran workers to whom new employees turn for guidance. Insecure bosses and co-workers can’t stand to share credit for the recognition of talent. Bully bosses steal credit from skilled targets.
  3. Ethical and honest | Some targets are whistleblowers who expose fraudulent practices. The most easily exploited targets are people with personalities founded on a prosocial orientation — a desire to help, heal, teach, develop, and nurture others.
  4. Non-confrontational | They do not respond to aggression with aggression. But the price paid for apparent submissiveness is that the bully can act with impunity (as long as the employer also does nothing).

The work culture and norms are up to executives and managers to define workplace bullying and determine what is acceptable or not.  Workplace bullying has major consequences for the employers such as low productivity rates of workers and high turnover rates  due to the emotional abuse going on in the environment.

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9 symptoms of victims of work place bullying

  1. Stress
  2. Absenteeism and low productivity
  3. Lowered self-esteem and depression
  4. Anxiety
  5. Digestive upsets
  6. High blood pressure
  7. Insomnia
  8. Trouble with relationships due to stress over work
  9. Post traumatic stress disorder

If you find yourself bullying or  you are a victim of workplace bullying it is important to tell your support systems as well as seeking professional counseling or coaching if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.  There is hope and healing from this trauma of verbal and emotional abuse.

NOTE: you can freely redistribute this resource, electronically or in print, provided you leave the authors contact information below intact.

Author: Dana West, MSW, LCSW is an Orlando Marriage Counselor & Addictions, Sexual Abuse Trauma Therapist with Total Life Counseling Center with offices in Southwest Orlando, East Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary & Clermont Florida.  Total Life Counseling Center specializes in helping victims of bullying and our experts can be reached at (407) 248-0030.

author avatar
Dana West
Dana Risucci-West, LCSW specializes in substance abuse, addictions, marriage, trauma and sexual abuse issues. Dana is passionate about helping others feel heard and validated and then helping them to identify the root of their problems. Dana's mission statement with her practice is to Speak the Truth in Love and help others develop a purposeful treatment plan to achieve wellness and healing. Dana is known to show her heart and all that she does and facilities a warm environment where her clients feel safe and nurtured.

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Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, masters level therapists, Español counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, business coaches, and image enhancement coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. TLC’s family, trauma and marriage experts have been interviewed on National and Local TV/Radio over 200 times for their expert advice on Fox News, OWN, WETV, ABC’s Medical Minute and more. Our skilled counselors are relational, approachable and specialists providing therapy services in the Central Florida area including: OrlandoWinter ParkMetroWest, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, East OrlandoLake Mary, and Clermont, Boca Raton Florida, and Dallas, TX.

About the Author: Dana West

Dana Risucci-West, LCSW specializes in substance abuse, addictions, marriage, trauma and sexual abuse issues. Dana is passionate about helping others feel heard and validated and then helping them to identify the root of their problems. Dana's mission statement with her practice is to Speak the Truth in Love and help others develop a purposeful treatment plan to achieve wellness and healing. Dana is known to show her heart and all that she does and facilities a warm environment where her clients feel safe and nurtured.

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author avatar
Dana West
Dana Risucci-West, LCSW specializes in substance abuse, addictions, marriage, trauma and sexual abuse issues. Dana is passionate about helping others feel heard and validated and then helping them to identify the root of their problems. Dana's mission statement with her practice is to Speak the Truth in Love and help others develop a purposeful treatment plan to achieve wellness and healing. Dana is known to show her heart and all that she does and facilities a warm environment where her clients feel safe and nurtured.