The Target

What makes a target?

Wrong place/wrong time ie. works for a dysfunctional organization.
Has an unresolved dispute with the bully- this escalates a bully game.
Previous target leaves.
Different to others, eg different culture, over qualified, alienates others.
Shows vulnerability.
Bully is a new manager.
Conscientious, agreeable, quiet achiever.
Bully is jealous or threatened.
Inflame bully game by revealing distress eg ‘doing nothing’.
Whistle blow: mismanagement, malpractice, fraud.
Inappropriate social and communication skills- others bully as payback.
Padlocked to the job and can’t leave.
Physical injury and can’t work as hard now.
Paralysed due to earlier but totally different traumas or other personal difficulties.
Socially unassertive or avoid conflict.
Support a colleague who is being bullied – you’re next!
An active trade union official.
And many more…

How targets can be injured by workplace bullying?

Physical	Health issues, such as sleep difficulties, weight gain, hair loss, gastrointestinal problems, headaches etc Immune related disorders Cancer/ heart attacks Suicidal thinking
Intellectual	Concentration affected Reduced motivation Memory difficulties Difficulty learning new material Can’t complete basic tasks eg housework, paperwork, Stop hobbies/interests
Psychological	Anger Depression Anxiety disorders eg panic attacks, obsessive reviewing, hyper vigilance, avoidance Nightmares Severe/chronic posttraumatic stress disorder Workplace Bullying Trauma (refer Bully Blocking at Work AAP 2010) Loss of identity Major personality change
Financial	Loss of income/career Loss of second job Loss of promotion Less superannuation Forced retirement
Social	Social difficulties Social isolation Fear to answer phone, go to letterbox, shopping, meet friends
Family and sex life	Separation/Divorce Lowered sex drive Children and partner affected by victims trauma