Many of the great disaster movies start with a group of people bickering and falling out until a monumental event occurs normally a flood, hurricane, volcanic eruption, and they all pull together to reach their common goal! I notice with my own children, that, whilst there is an unwritten code that allows them to bicker, carp and argue among themselves if an outsider is negative in any way towards one of them then there is suddenly a consolidated front and it becomes the three of them against the world!
These two examples demonstrate that bickering occurs in most human groups and many managers allow an ongoing banter within their team that can have both positive and negative overtones. The benefits of team interaction include cohesion of the management team and the development of working relationships and mutual interests, but when does bickering actually become bullying? Organizational culture often supports mild ribbing, joke making but should never accept a situation where such behavior crosses the boundary to either bullying or victimization. Observers of such incidents can also be seriously affected by what they see, hear or witness, especially if they are powerless themselves to intervene. Workplace bullying can exist at many levels and can result in reduced job satisfaction, self-esteem and a poorer opinion of the organization itself with those who are affected and ultimately a lowering of operational performance. Health problems can occur for observers and the individuals concerned including headaches, anxiety, and depression.
As a manager, you must always give a clear, unequivocal indication of what is acceptable behavior within your team. Managers must remain aware that individuals do not always react in the same way to jokes and ribbing and that there are workplace boundaries on such activities. It is important to keep an eye on colleagues and open a dialogue with them if the health problems outlined persist during the working day. Bullying is never acceptable and managers must lead by example with this regard to ensure that they promote, and themselves comply with, high standards of behavior within the organization.
