I have changed my work teams twice now and happened twice now. First I just thought it was one toxic guy who picked up on me and had a knack on finding bully targets. Then, I have changed teams away from this dude and I felt I was surrounded by sane people this time but it happened again. It starts with one person making fun of me and others start to pick it up.
I’m not sure what it is that I’m giving away that I attract bullies so easily. I often put a smile and not make any rude jokes with coworkers. Maybe that’s the reason why?
I’ve observed one more pattern is that they act nice and normal when they’re alone with me but suddenly when we’re in a group, they start behaving in a snarky fashion towards me and find every opportunity to make fun of me. They often steal my ideas & jokes and pose them as their own too, I’m not bothered with it through as long as it doesn’t benefit them in work.
I’m not an idiot either at work that makes them think I’d be an easy target. I often do my job very well and stay up with every metric. They don’t seem to like it or try to downplay me whenever I’m in a spotlight.
I’ll be changing companies soon and I want to try to cut down on any behaviours that make me look like the doormat that I am. Any tips on how to make others respect me more? Thanks.
Stop trying to fit in and putting on fake smiles as they make you an easy target for the bullies to target when they need a punching bag and a mule to saddle with work. Bullies are like sharks, they smell your desperation to fit in, the secrets acting like you could give a fart what anyone thinks. I have done this frequently since high school and you surprisingly end up with more friends than you need due to some bizarre reverse psychology. Lastly, stop offering advice, they’ve realized they can take your ideas if they pacify you with a little attention. The truth is, do you want to keep changing your job? If not, stop trying to earn others respect and try respecting yourself.