ABSTRACT
First of all, if anything like the above happens in your work, be aware that you do have the opportunity of using your agency’s disciplinary procedures. This is unacceptable behaviour by a manager. (See also Chapter 6 on ‘Bullying at work’.) Secondly, should this happen, you can also choose to manage it without caving-in and without responding aggressively or defensively. The method proposed is an assertiveness technique which may be used either immediately (with practice) or within a period of up to three days. If more time has elapsed I suggest you forget about dealing with it assertively, as time changes perception, and what may have achieved immense proportions for you may have been forgotten by the aggressor.
