Power for good: Why it’s NEVER OK to bully in the workplace

Bullying doesn't stop when we leave school. It just becomes quieter, and more sophisticated.
Early in my career, I experienced workplace bullying firsthand. It began subtly: the occasional undermining comment in meetings, a public put-down that made me question my abilities. Over time, it escalated into regular verbal attacks from my senior leader, harsh words and humiliation in front of my peers and my own team. It was quite frightening at a point.

They were looking for someone to blame, and I became that person.
When you're young and ambitious, you tell yourself to be resilient, to rise above it, to prove your worth. But bullying isn't about toughness, it's about power. And when power is misused, it chips away at confidence and self-belief.

Eventually, I found the courage to walk away. I sought professional advice, prioritised my wellbeing, and left with my head held high. It was one of the hardest decisions of my early career, but it taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: no job is worth your dignity.

What I didn't realise then was that this painful chapter would become the foundation of my entire approach to leadership and culture change.

That experience shaped the leader and consultant I became. It taught me that people don't thrive in fear; they thrive in trust. And that true leadership isn't about dominance or control – it's about using influence responsibly, creating safety, and enabling others to shine.

Today, when I work with organisations navigating change and transformation, I see echoes of that same dynamic playing out. We still too often excuse bullying as "strong leadership" or "high standards." But bullying doesn't drive performance, it destroys it. It silences good people, stifles ideas, and corrodes culture from within.
This week, Anti-Bullying Week 2025 carries the theme "Power for Good." It's a message that resonates deeply with me. Every one of us holds power in our roles, our relationships, and our words. The question is, how will we use it?

Power for good means using our voices to lift others, not diminish them. It means creating workplaces where difference is respected, questions are welcomed, and mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn. It means calling out behaviour that crosses the line and knowing that silence is never neutral.

If you're a leader, your influence has lasting impact. On confidence, trust, and culture. How you respond when someone is struggling, how you handle disagreement, whether you create space for honesty. These moments define whether your power builds people up or tears them down.

If you've experienced bullying, please know it's not your fault, and it's NOT OK. If you've witnessed it, your willingness to speak up could make all the difference.

As professionals, we can all play a part in building workplaces where people feel safe to be themselves and to thrive. That's what "power for good" truly looks like.

What will you do with your power this week?

Sharon McMaw, Founder & Director
Thrive Business Consulting Ltd
Website: www.thrivebusinessconsulting.co.uk 
LinkedIn: Sharon McMaw