How To Deal With Workplace Bully Difficult person (also known as a business bully) could be your boss or your firm’s biggest customer. Here’s what to do when your customer acts like a bully.

You didn't leave all the bullies on the junior high playground, they’re still around. Business bullies abound. Easily recognizable, they approach most meetings with a clear, “Heads - I win, Tales - you loose agenda”. For them bullying it is about control. If the business workplace bully in your life is one of your customers, failing to learn the relationship skills necessary to work with them can cost both companies big bucks. That’s bad for business.

Step One: Let’s identify where you are today.

Question: If you had to pick one, which of these three would most accurately describe your usual reaction to encountering a business bully across a meeting table?

I AM MOST LIKELY TO...

1. Fight fire with fire. (Fight)
   
   If they attack, you counter attack. If they light the match, you have the gas. The problem with this approach is that you can win the arguments but loose the deal.
   
2. Hang out a mental Closed for Business sign. (Mental Flight)
   
   If they bluster, threaten, posture like a peacock, you tend to tune out.
   
3. Go Along to Get Along (Fear)
   
   If they attack, you give in. This is a lose/lose situation because the customer isn’t getting your best ideas and effort.

There are alternatives to fight, flight, or fear. You can stay engaged and change your response to the business bully. Whatever your tendency (fight, mental flight, or fear), you can turn the situation to everyone’s advantage.

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