When They Go Low, We Speak Our Truth

Toxic bosses and bullies are like weeds—there is never just one. They rapidly spread and destroy the entire organization. The only way to rid your company of the disastrous and dangerous effects is to identify each one, pull it from its roots, and remove it from the premises—one weed at a time.

This week, Dr. Brandi M. B. , bravely shared her truth about the experiences she and several women had with a workplace bully in a LinkedIn post . The Philadelphia Inquirer also covered the story.

In her post, Dr. Baldwin highlights several toxic behaviors that have become all too familiar in the workplace, including:

• Being yelled at during meetings
• Being spoken to like you're worthless
• Given the silent treatment when you don't do what they want
• Being strategically discredited behind the scenes to your colleagues
• Being kept on a short leash with no real decision-making power
• Being scolded like a child
• Gaslighting to make you feel like you're "misinterpreting" everything

She goes on to explain the hundreds of questions that were occupying her headspace, including:?

• "I'm the new kid on the block; they're going to think I'm a soft leader if I say something."
• "He's so powerful and respected that he'll get me black-balled if I speak up."
• "He's more valuable to the organization than I am."
• "He'll spread rumors that I'm difficult to work with, and they'll believe him!"
• "My money, my money, my money, my money... I can't do anything to jeopardize my money."

When she went to the CEO to share her experiences, the person acted as if they cared but did nothing, and the bullying continued.

Realizing that nothing would change unless she put aside those scary questions and worries of retaliation, she chose courage over comfort. She found two other women who had experienced the same things with this person. Together, they wrote an open letter . Once word of the letter got out, more women came forward and spoke their truths.

This week, I read and re-read Dr. Baldwin’s post and the open letter. I felt every word deeply because I had experienced what she described. I don’t know Dr. Baldwin, but I’m so proud of her and grateful she and the other eight brave women spoke their truth.

Organizations that enable and allow bullies to thrive and grow create a culture of oppression where reprehensible behavior becomes the norm. Just like odious weed pollen, bullying blows through the organization, multiplies, and destroys everything good and healthy in its path.

When they go low, we speak our truth because the truth matters–your truth matters, and her truth matters.