When the word “bully” comes up, many of us conjure an image of a mean, grumpy teenager tormenting a peer at school.
Let me be clear, before I go any further: this blog does not condone bullying. However, it begs the question: Did the concept of the “bully” serve a purpose in society? Did it teach us essential life skills for navigating a sometimes-unkind world?
What Lessons Did the Bully Teach Us?
- Encounter with Insecurity: We inevitably encounter individuals who, driven by their own insecurities, lash out at others. In life, business, relationships, we will need to learn how to handle people with this personality trait.
- Reality Check: Not everyone we meet will be kind, and we must learn to navigate encounters with individuals who exhibit bully-like behaviour. These encounters often present themselves in various aspects of life, demanding our resilience.
- Overcoming Adversity: Dealing with bullies teaches us how to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges. In business, for instance, sometimes conceding to a bully’s demands is necessary for negotiations to progress.
- Developing Resilience: The phrase “thick skin” is frequently used, especially in the business world. While I didn’t encounter many bullies personally in my early years, I’ve certainly faced them in my professional life. I’m grateful for these encounters as they’ve helped me develop resilience and grow thicker skin.
Bottom line, let’s not cancel the bully, let’s teach our children and peers how to navigate our actions and emotions around them.
Thanks for reading.