This document describes numerous aspects of bullying, its definition and how it manifests itself. It has been compiled from a number of sources as an academic exercise to summarise this sociopathic/psychopathic behaviour.
A bully creates a toxic environment of sociopathic and psychopathic behaviour, selecting targets and creating stress, turmoil, intimidation, manipulating and controlling people, playing with peoples emotions and lives without regard for the hurt and cost to the target.
Basic Methods of a Bully
Although a bully has many ways of controlling others and gaining power, five basic methods form the foundation of his powerful strategy for personal success. The most effective bullies employ these in a skillful blend of charm and aggression that carries them to the top of their profession or organisation.
1. Manipulates Through Seduction
A bully encourages others to obey him by offering to meet their emotional and financial needs. He promises friendship, respect, career advancement and financial rewards, hoping that the target will believe success is only possible through the leadership and guidance of the bully. However, he only delivers on his promises when it benefits him. It is a bit like pedophiles who entice children into their web of deception using candy and empty promises.
There may also be another category where the targets of the bully are in a vulnerable position, for example, financially distraught therefore they need their salary, or are emotionally distraught because of personal relationships or family problems. The bully knows how to exploit these people.
2. Intimidates Through Verbal Aggression
Shouting episodes are common place for a bully who considers it essential in order to control others and force them into agreement or submission. The bully is unable to use negotiation, understanding and logic, rather, uses anger, shouting episodes or threats to intimidate others into compliance. He uses angry outbursts as a weapon.
People naturally withdraw from aggressive, potentially violent situations to avoid conflict. The victim diffuses the other’s aggression by being agreeable or apologetic. That is exactly what the bully wants.
He threatens failure, or uses guilt and shame to appeal to the target’s sense of duty and if that does not work to his favour will scorn or embarrass the person in front of others.
A bully rationalises anger as a normal method of expressing emotions usually saying he'd rather not bottle up his views, rather, say it is better to express them. In actual fact, this behaviour is unhealthy because he ignores the impact his anger has on others. He has chosen a destructive behaviour instead of a mature controlled manner of discussing issues and believes that there is a beneficial end result to justify this need for anger and verbal abuse.
3. A Bully’s Power Base and Supporters.
A bully knows who to show his charming side to and befriend those whom he needs on his side - those with money, power, influence, connections or are more senior positions than him. It will only be a matter of time, if he plays his cards right, before he climbs another step up the ladder to have more control. He calls it political gamesmanship.
The bully continually builds up his power base offering rewards for those who support him and undermines anyone who won't support him. He may gather damaging information on his opponents and blame them for any failures or shortcomings of his management of the organisation.
He also builds up resources at his disposal. It may be a lawyer, a management consultant, etc who he will use for his own agenda, rather than allowing them to give independent advice or reports. So now, the bully has surrounded himself with staff supporters and paid consultants who he can manipulate.
Supporters of the bully may be the type who are not so nice, who enjoy the power and authority to carry out the bullying for the bully. Other supporters may be very nice people who are eager to be part of a team. They may be co-operative, conscientious, loyal, giving, good-hearted, unselfish people who will forgive the bully for his outbursts and continue their dedication to their job until they see the ugly side of the bully, possibly becoming a victim themselves. Thus the high turn-over of staff.
It may be that a person is a follower because they are too loyal, too obedient, a believer of duty and teamwork but in actual fact these people who are eager to be part of a team are simply complying to a bully and prefer to be non-confrontational, coping with the incidents that arise by being quiet, not expressive, apologetic, introverted, and subservient to the aggressor. When accused they may accept blame and apologise but as a result become more dependent on the leadership of the bully. Their self-confidence reduces and they become more subservient and obedient to the bully.
4. A Master Manipulator Who Plays Mind Games
A bully is an expert manipulator. He creates an alternative reality in the minds of those around him. He keeps people off-balance through half-truths, hearsay and misstatements. His distorted version of events is intended to obscure and confuse. or he intentionally misleads you so that you arrive at an incorrect conclusion, and then exposes your mistaken opinion as proof of your ignorance or unreliability.
5. Disguises His True Intentions and Emotions
A bully puts on a good act to gain your trust and respect. He never reveals his true intentions, which are self-serving and at times harmful to others. He conceals his innermost attitudes and emotions, which are self-absorbed and disrespectful of others. He maintains an image of strength, vision and leadership, and thus avoids exposing his underhanded, manipulative nature. A skilled bully can achieve a lifetime of success through his deceptions, not just in a typical workplace, but in entertainment, media and politics.