As child you may of heard "walk away from the bully" and that may have been true as a child.  As an adult does that serve you well?   Today with a bully in the workplace or in the board room what happens when everyone avoids the bully?

The bully gets stronger and sets a new tone. Members of the team get tired of the bullies comments/actions.  They may become angry, resentful, quiet or unengaged.  The bully is controlling the agenda and the culture of the group and can derail teams.  The bully has now gained control…unless a leader deals with his/her behavior.

The leader’s choice could be to run and avoid – which doesn’t serve you or the team very well.  Some leaders may say they’ll ‘wait’ for a better time to deal with it.  Be truthful as you review your situation…you may be stuck…and the bully is gaining ground.  The reality is an elegant leader is needed to step up.  For the group, the board, the team, and the company – a leader needs to protect the culture, environment, and the engagement of the group.  So be an elegant leader and stand up to the bully.  Here are three easy lead in phrases that can help you start to confront the bully.

John that sounds like you are dismissing….(call him/her on his actions – what he/she is doing)

John, thank you, now let’s hear others opinion…(when they talk over everyone)

Excuse me John, I was talking…(when they interpret and try to hijack the discussion)

The true key is to start to confront them…stop their behavior that is having a negative impact on the group…it is your job.