Must-Read: Don’t Be the Office Bully

It’s been awhile since we actually worked in an office environment, which is nice and all, but one of the things that we miss is the sense of camaraderie and all-in-this-together-ness that comes with working in an office five days a week. One of the things we don’t miss, though, is that dreaded creature known as the office bully. You know him. He’s the guy who is intent on continuing his high school lifestyle of making fun of everyone whenever they do something bad and otherwise rubbing your face in your mistakes. Of course, if you DON’T have one in your office, then the question begs to be asked: Are you him?

And so today we’re heading over to Men’s Health where they have a list of ways to know if you’re the office bully. For example, among their pieces of information that you have to pay attention to:

1. You?re in charge, and you take all the credit for your team?s ideas.

The problem: Since you bear the responsibility if a project crashes and burns, why shouldn’t you take credit when things go well? ?When you ignore someone’s contributions, it’s a way of asserting your power and belittling their value,? Porath says.

The fix: Being generous with praise, especially in public settings, will make your employees work harder. Plus, Porath?s research finds that someone who is respectful and civil is more likely to be trusted by their peers?which can lead to earning greater responsibilities or a glowing job recommendation down the road. ?You gain more by demonstrating likeability,? she says.

Head on over to the link above to check out the other four pieces of things to look out for to see if you are, indeed, the office bully. And then, if you do feel like you may be, make some steps to stop being such an asshole.