Why Care? 47 Tackling Workplace Bullying with Claire Collins

Written By Falah Ahmad

“Bullies can be everything...from physical bullying… to psychological undermining, sexual harassment, and other kinds of harassment. And it can play out in different ways….in front of other people...in meetings, or in group situations. But quite often, the bully is very clever in that they will give their comments... before a meeting or after a meeting in the quiet of their own office, or, they could just say, "Could I just have five minutes with you before we go into the meeting?" And… just fire enough demeaning remarks at you before a meeting that put you on edge - that...makes what was going to be… a confident presentation or your confident demeanor in...the meeting. It just puts that element of doubt into your mind as to, "Oh, am I speaking out of turn here? Am I making myself look like an idiot?" They plant the seeds of doubt in your mind. “

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Claire Collins, a coach and Henley Business School Professor of Leadership, to discuss the impact of toxic work environments. Claire shares her journey from a biomedical career to becoming a law firm chief executive and, following a highly successful academic career, finding her purpose in coaching professionals who are dealing with workplace bullying. This conversation delves into identifying toxic behaviours, understanding the effects of gaslighting, and building resilience. Claire provides invaluable insights into navigating such environments, regaining confidence, and fostering better organisational cultures for all.

Key Takeaways

Claire’s journey emphasises the importance of resilience and seeking support when faced with workplace bullying.

  • Coaching can empower individuals to either confront toxic environments confidently or transition out with self-worth intact.

  • Building resilience requires understanding gaslighting and developing personal strategies to counteract it.

Organisations play a vital role in preventing toxicity and supporting employees in challenging situations.

  • Clear policies, strong leadership, and allyship are essential in creating inclusive and safe work environments.

  • Providing tools and training to help leaders recognise and prevent exclusionary behaviours is crucial for fostering positive culture.

Highlights:

  • Claire’s Diverse Career Journey: From biomedical science to coaching, Claire’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, shaped by her own experiences in challenging work environments.

  • Understanding Toxic Leadership: Claire discusses how toxic leadership can manifest, from overt bullying to more subtle forms like gaslighting and undermining.

  • Building Resilience Against Gaslighting: Claire explains how individuals can recognise and counteract gaslighting tactics, building up their confidence and reclaiming their personal power.

  • Coaching Through Trauma and Toxicity: Learn about Claire’s mission to help professionals in toxic workplaces either stand up to their environments or leave with their self-worth intact.

  • Supporting Marginalised Groups in the Workplace: Claire emphasises the need for inclusive policies and advocates for allyship, especially for those facing unique challenges, such as returning mothers and part-time workers.

  • Long-term Effects of Workplace Bullying: Claire sheds light on the neurological and psychological impact of bullying and gaslighting, which can sometimes lead to trauma and PTSD-like symptoms.

Guest Bio

Claire Collins is a Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading, and a coach specialising in supporting professionals facing toxic work environments. With a diverse background spanning biomedical science, law firm leadership, and academia, Claire brings a wealth of experience and insight to her coaching practice. She is deeply committed to helping individuals regain their confidence, navigate workplace bullying, and build resilience. Claire’s current work focuses on empowering those in toxic environments and advocating for supportive organisational cultures.

Links

Falah Ahmad
Next

Why Care? 46 Generative AI & Alleviating Inequity with Tarek Kamil