When over 30 million people say they’ve been bullied at work — as was the case in a recent poll — you can be sure someone’s going to start a Web site devoted to figuratively kicking the bullies in the shins.

The site is called kickbully.com.  Let’s start by quoting from the first page of the site:

“Is there someone at your workplace who makes you feel anxious, frustrated or angry? Does that person seem intent on controlling your behavior against your will? Does he belittle, embarrass or even humiliate you?”

You get the picture. The site is all about identifying when you’re being victimized by a bully — usually but not always a boss — and what to do about it.

The site gives you clues on how to tell if someone is a bully. For instance, under the link “Hidden traits” are listed the following 12 signs of a bully:

1. Charming
2. Obsessed with image
3. Distorts truth and reality
4. Evasive
5. Plays the victim
6. Self-righteous
7. Pompous
8. Hypocritical
9. Two-faced
10. Rumor-monger
11. Passive-aggressive
12. Pretends to care

Now, it struck us that just about all of those traits show up among the staff of HR Morning, but here’s the difference:  Bullies tend to exhibit those traits for the sole purpose of making your job and your life miserable. (Whereas most folks at HR Morning seem content to make themselves miserable.)

Here comes the good part — what to do if you’re being bullied at work.  Under “Best responses” you’ll find a full page of suggestions, but most of them amount to two words: walk away, but be polite about it by saying stuff like:

• “Will you excuse me? I’m going to get a drink of water.”
• “Excuse me, but I need to go to the restroom.”
• “Pardon me; I need to make a phone call.”

Then there’s our personal favorite: “Smile and act amused, and then walk away.”

There’s more, including links to other sites and books on the topic. And more advice, such as when to just quit. We thought most of the information was OK and couldn’t hurt, especially if someone is in a desperate situation. We especially liked the idea that the  overall message was: Keep your cool.

That of course isn’t easy when dealing with a certified S.O.B., but it will tend to drive them nuts.

Tags: bully, kickbully.com