Unless you have had your head in the sand for the last 10 years, we are all very aware of the bullying problems seen in schools and colleges. We are all saddened to turn on the news to see stories of teen suicides, school shootings and violence caused by bullying.
As parents we all gasp, thank the Lord it is not our child, then sit down and talk to our kids about being nice. We tell them we will not put up with bullying and why can’t you just all get along?
Well I want to bring up a serious situation that I have been watching online in the last few months, that really worries me. It is online bullying!!!
And guess what?
It is not kids who are doing it. It is adults, educated business owners and people respected in their communities. It is 30 year old men and women who are name calling, making fun of competitors and banning people from secret clubs online. They are groups of online friends teaming up to make a point and virtually laying a beating on a person.
Well I just want to give my 2 cents on the topic:
For anyone who has taken my class, you all know that I do not like confrontation. I don’t post about politics, religion ect. I make it a point to keep my personal views out of my business. I am known to unfollow people who cause drama.
I know my strategy does not work for everyone and some businesses need to be out there.I am not one bit against standing up for our beliefs. I also am a strong believer in being who you are and not changing for anyone.
BUT
I also believe that we can’t expect our children to learn to get along. To learn to be caring, loving, accepting people unless we model the same behavior.
And if that doesn’t make you think twice, maybe you should stop and think how those actions reflect on your business, employees and industry. Remember the person who is being the bully is not fooling anyone. We all see it. We remember it and it will affect how people react to you in the long run. It may not affect your business initially but eventually it will come back and bite you in the wallet.
“What if the kid you bullied at school, grew up, and turned out to be the only surgeon who could save your life?”
― Lynette Mather
Tagged In:Bullying, business, Cyber Bullying, social media