Episode Overview:

Today’s episode is personal and powerful. After a string of frustrating public encounters in my (usually peaceful!) Dutch city, I started thinking about bullies—and how very present they are in nursing and healthcare.

If you’ve ever been bullied, witnessed it, or had to manage someone who bullies others, this episode is for you.

We’re talking about:

• Why bullies act the way they do
• What bullying looks like in a professional setting
• How to hold the line (without losing yourself)
• Why rooting it out early matters—for the health of your team, culture, and leadership

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why bullying is a reflection of their wounds, not your worth
• What workplace bullying looks like (hint: it’s not just “being mean”)
• How a zero-tolerance approach protects your team from dysfunction and disrepair
• What to say in the moment to shut it down with composure
• How to lead through bullying—whether you’re the manager or a team member

🧠 Key Ideas to Take With You:

• Bullies thrive in silence. Speaking up is a service to your team.
• You don’t need to “fix” a bully—but you do need to hold your dignity and the line.
• You can feel empathy without excusing behavior.
• Boundaries are leadership tools, not just personal preferences.
• Culture is shaped by what we tolerate. If we don't stop bullying, it spreads.

🛠️ Reflection Prompts:

• Where are you tolerating disrespect because it feels easier than confronting it?
• What’s one small boundary you can reinforce this week to flex that leadership muscle?
• How can you be part of a culture where bullies lose their power?

💬 Sample Phrases to Use with Bullies:

• “It seems like you’re having a rough day. I’m going to need you to handle that elsewhere.”
• “I’m surprised you felt comfortable saying that out loud.”
• “I understand you’re frustrated, but I will not allow you to speak to me like that.”

(These are calm. Direct. Non-negotiable.)

📣 Nurse Leaders—Heads Up:

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🎯 Get on the waitlist now to:

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