To tell manager about bully

[HarryBlackberry1]

I work in a busy office and one of the line managers has an awful reputation for bullying and intimidating staff, but is very good friends with the higher bosses, so therefore gets away with his actions. I do my best to keep out of his way, as he has previously made up outright lies about me (although this was a few years ago), as well as bullying other people to the point where they have been off on long term sick.

I have just found out that this man will be my new line manager. I have spoken to another line manager in confidence about that fact that I am concerned he will now target me and if given the chance, have me sacked (I think he bizarrely sees me as a threat). He was very sympathetic (as he knows what Mr Awful is like) and told me discretely on the way out of work that he has voiced my concerns to one of the higher bosses. Mr Awful is best friends with this higher boss, and I am afraid they will now discuss this between themselves in private and my life will be made hell at work. AIBU to have voiced my concerns, or should I have just 'put up and shut up'?

The latter. I speak from bitter experience.

But it’s done now.

I’d look to love jobs, frankly. The whole place sounds toxic.

*move! But also love, I guess

Hmmm... kind of wishing I'd kept my trap shut now. I'm normally quiet, but I had to speak up.

You’ve done the right thing. You are highlighting that it may become a problem. Take a note of everything join the union and if you are being bullied put in a complaint you should not put up with bad treatment at work

I doubt saying anything to higher management will make much difference either way. If the man is a bully, he will find an excuse to bully you with or without input from another manager.

The best thing you can do in cases of bullying is document, document, document. Record everything - every instance of intimidation or gas lighting. Send emails to confirm anything you agree with this man, and keep the emails. Follow your grievance process as soon as he starts anything.

I have been there. I wish you luck.

Thanks. I do think I've covered myself if things go tits up with him, but I'm annoyed with myself for telling the boss I was scared I'd go on capability.

They already know he’s a bully...that many people off sick = it’s public knowledge what he’s like. He hasn’t been sacked because they clearly close ranks. He’ll never be sacked. At best, a victim will be paid off to go quietly.

It's crap. Why do people like this exist.

And why do they so often rise to the top?

I have been there, the best thing you can do is leave. I am no pushover, but I just seemed to lose my voice. Now in a new company, which is amazing and a boss who is all about being respectful. You deserve better.

Thank you. They do always rise to the top. I do plan to leave but it's a shame as I like the place, apart from him.

If it's any consolation, I know of one who finally got the push. As you correctly say, in a quiet way with a payout, but everyone knew what had really happened.

Carry on- if only he would be paid off. Sadly he'll be there for the long haul as he does very little work and knows he can get away with it.

I do think I've covered myself if things go tits up with him
Really because it could be viewed as you have it in for him before you even give him a chance,, and any complaints you make now will be viewed throuh that prism

Very true. I never thought of it that way.

Look for another job

IN a day and age we video everything and post it to social media, from our babies sneezing to a badly parked car, yet it never occurred to anyone to record it?

i would record his bullying in secret. if record absolutely everything, if your in a trade union take it there. Group together and get the bastard and his best buddy. They’ll make good company standing in the line at the job centre.

I was bullied out of college at my age too, and I’m still angry about it. Angry at myself for not slapping the bullies in the moosh.

Thank you for your advice. Seems like a good few of us have experienced these types of unpleasant people. Don't know why people can't just be nice.

They don’t know how to be nice. They cause misery everywhere they go and get enjoyment out of it. It gives them power, like their supposed to be strong and others weak.
Sociopaths and narcissists springs to mind.
In the end they suffer for it. Nasty old people with no friends that everyone hates. Don’t feel sad what they do, be happy about what they’ll become

It's also possible he has been asked to do this.
Somewhere I worked we got a new management team and it was clear they had picked out certain people to get rid of by managing them out.
They had a supervisor who was tasked with the evil task.
Then when she had served her purpose they de to take one of the many grievances raised seriously and sacked her for bullying.
Don't be too sure his actions are unapproved of

*decided

Scary to think managers would task someone to do this. Claire, I've looked up the characteristics of a narcissist and he fits the bill. Everything is always about how wonderful he is. He always picks on nice peaceful people. Easy targets I suppose.