Meow Hiss How to Deal with Catty Women at Work ...

By Jennifer

If you've ever wanted to ask a co-worker, "Why all the drama, pussycat?" then it might be time to consider a few of the ways to deal with catty women and other bullies in the workplace. Claws in or out? Let's find out.

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1

Cat's Got Your Tongue?

It's really difficult to address cattiness and bullying if you're not prepared to take the conflict and controversy head-on. Chances are, the bully is counting on your continued silence. Resolve to speak up! I know it's easier said than done, but it's necessary.

2

Is It Just You?

It's hard to be objective when you're feeling bullied, but try your best to evaluate the situation and figure out if this rotten person is bullying you, or just being unpleasant in general. Bullying most often includes singling out one person for the brunt of the torture... if this woman is pretty even-handed in dishing out the misery, then she's not a bully, just a wretched person you can ignore.

3

And if She Isn't a Bully...

... then don't give her more power than she has, and to re-state the above: just ignore her, assured that everyone else knows she's rotten to the core. Sadly, you'll deal with at least one miserable co-worker almost anywhere you work, and it's best to just ignore them.

4

But if She is a Bully

... then it's time to put the "I can speak up" resolution you made in point 1 into effect. It's never a good idea to strike back in anger, but standing up for yourself is an excellent first step in dealing with a bully, a downright catty peer. The next time you're the target of a less-than-kind comment on your clothing, or you see this bully picking on someone else, speak up. This "Hey! I have a backbone, you know!" approach may stop the bully in her tracks. If not, read on...

5

The Pen is Pretty Mighty

If the verbal standing-up-for-yourself doesn't work, it's a very good idea to document the bully's activity, every catty thing she does and says that undermines your performance and makes you uncomfortable. Because you'll be tracking everything she does, it's only fair to document your reactions, so always take the high road.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

Don't Spread It round, but...

It's also smart to speak to the other people you know are being made miserable by this wretch. Don't spread rumors or gossip, but see if they want in on your documentation. The more of you who continue to step 7 together, the better.

7

Report It

Even if this big bully is a supervisor, there's always someone higher up in the food chain you can report this abysmal behavior pattern to. It's time to let Management know what you've (all) been dealing with, so it can be addressed.

Bullies are the worst, but you can handle them, hopefully at the standing-up-for-yourself point. You don't have to be miserable at work! Have you handled a catty co-worker? What did you do? Please share!

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I only have trouble with men at my work. girls are nice

Oh I worked a dumpy cow once. She was a nightmare. She went out of her way to be helping treatment. Gave her the silent treatment and she felt it but I never spoke to her and only emailed her if it was necessary. She even tried to pick a fight but I still ignored her. Found out later that a lot of people couldn't stand her and made fun of her behind her back. Funny enough I did make a complaint about her but the way supervisor didn't do anything about it. Like they say every dog has its day and she got hers. She was made redundant hehehe. I agree there is always a bad apple in every job. You either report them or u get Bullied. Report the cowards through HR or any one in a higher position.

Oh thank you so much Jennifer this is just what I needed since there are some girls/women that I work with who are this way. Fun to know that it's volunteer work we do hmm anyways thanks again :)

Hi Jennifer. I've had a couple at work and in my own family as well!! It was very hard for me to stand up for myself even now .. So I moved out but the family still dint understand . So much to the extent it has affected my personal life!! At work I people who treated me bad still do at times but I treat them with a smile and bit of compliment.. Which makes a difference!! I'm still new in my workplace .. Not exactly cause I've been here almost 6 months now!! People sometimes find it so easy to say stand up for yourself when they don't realise that the victim has had a totally different upbringing since childhood, has stayed with mum and dad like 25 years without raising your concern when things are happening against your will!! Peony , there are also a bad apple in one's family too!!

Sorry for the typing mistakes 😐

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