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Intimidation

Intimidation

noun
uk /ɪnˌtɪm.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/
us /ɪnˌtɪm.əˈdeɪ.ʃən/ 
 
The action of frightening or threatening someone, usually in order to persuade them to do something that you want them to do.

Workplace intimidation is intentionally and maliciously causing an employee or coworker to feel inadequate or afraid. This includes verbal threats, unjust criticisms or sabotage of a person's work. Actions like these erode the confidence of employees and affects their ability to do their jobs.

Years ago it didn't take much to be qualified for a management job. You only had to understand the processes and procedures at your job, and be reasonably reliable to be hired into a management job. Back then we didn't see that the best-qualified person for a management job is not necessarily the person who is the most experienced or most skilled at the work a department performs.

In order to be a strong manager you have to be able to listen and to communicate well. You have to have empathy. Now we are realising that many of the people who hold management jobs are not qualified to be in management. They lead through fear rather than trust. They keep their employees in line by subtly or overtly threatening them.


Top 10 Intimidation Tactics

Experts identify the top ten intimidation tactics employed by Managers:

  1. Blame for errors
  2. Unreasonable job demands
  3. Criticism of ability
  4. Inconsistent compliance with rules
  5. Threatens job loss
  6. Insults and put-downs
  7. Discounting or denial of accomplishments
  8. Exclusion
  9. Yelling, screaming
  10. Stealing credit

Top Victim Experiences

The top negative acts experienced by intimidation victims are as follows:
  • had information withheld that affected performance
  • been exposed to an unmanageable workload
  • ordered to do work below level of competence
  • given tasks with unreasonable/impossible deadlines
  • had opinions and views ignored
  • had work excessively monitored
  • reminded repeatedly of errors and mistakes
  • humiliated or ridiculed privately or publicly in connection with work

 

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