Healthcare: "Quiet Bullying" Part 1 of 3 w/ Adjunct Professor Monda Mwaya

Monda Mwaya

Monda is a Malawian, and she is very proud to teach her language and her culture to students. She has been working in education and healthcare for over sixteen years. She has a Master's in Health Education from Saint Joseph's University and a B.S. in Human Services from Chestnut Hill College. She has learned that language learning helps connect people from all cultures. Living in different countries and learning their languages has given her a better understanding of the process of teaching a foreign language. She has taught Chichewa for healthcare practices for people who are doing medical research in Malawi.
SOURCE: https://plc.sas.upenn.edu/people/mond...

Quiet bullying, also known as covert or passive-aggressive bullying, can be particularly insidious because it's harder to detect and address. Here are some common signs of quiet bullying in healthcare:

Exclusion: Being left out of meetings, social events, or important communications without a valid reason.

Subtle Insults: Undermining comments or backhanded compliments that seem harmless on the surface but are meant to belittle.

Gossip: Spreading rumors or talking negatively about someone behind their back.

Sabotage: Deliberately withholding information, giving incorrect information, or setting someone up to fail.

Non-verbal Cues: Rolling eyes, sighing, or other body language that conveys disrespect or disdain.

Micromanagement: Overly controlling behavior that makes someone feel incompetent or undervalued.

If you suspect you're experiencing quiet bullying, here are some steps you can take:

Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions of what happened.

Seek Support: Talk to trusted colleagues, mentors, or a mental health professional about what you're experiencing.

Confront the Bully: If you feel safe and comfortable, address the behavior directly with the person involved. Sometimes, they may not realize the impact of their actions.

Report the Behavior: Use your organization's formal channels to report bullying. This could be HR, a supervisor, or a designated ombudsperson.

Take Care of Yourself: Engage in self-care practices to manage stress and maintain your well-being.

Remember, you're not alone, and it's important to take steps to protect your mental and emotional health. If the situation doesn't improve, consider seeking legal advice or exploring other employment options. Your well-being is paramount.