You can be corporate and still be kind....

First, let me start by saying, I do have a day job.  And - as far as day jobs go - I am very thankful for my job - and the folks I work with.  My teammates are some of my closest friends.  My supervisor, is awesome.  He backs us, helps us - I couldn't ask for more.  Now, that being said - I was on vacation the week before last - and it was amazing.  My best friend from VA was here - and we had a great time.  A time to decompress, catch up, and relax.  We both have a lot going on in our lives - both moms - jobs - and busy.  So just to sit and enjoy one another was a huge blessing.  I ended that week with a new sense of purpose.  Relaxed.  And a new mindset upon my "day job".

The week went pretty much like normal, and I was smiling the whole time ( that part not necessarily normal).  But I had decided to be grateful for my job.  My co-workers.  My supervisor.  And when things rose up that would normally stress me out, I took a deep breath, and I was good.  I went through the week feeling amazing.  Until the last day of the work week.

I know it could be risky writing this, but - I feel like I have to.  If I don't - I am being fake.  And my hair, nails, and tan might be fake - but my heart isn't.  So I am going to be vague to protect myself.  But just hear what I am saying.

I witnessed corporate bullying.  Not on myself - or my co-workers - so no worries there, but nonetheless.  I saw it.  And I never have seen such a spectacle in my life.  I have never been so shocked - embarrassed and hurt for the people it happened to - the level of empathy I had was out the roof.  And I thought bullying was something that kids did in a school yard.  Not in a workplace.  So I write this, to say this.  If you ever partake of "corporate bullying" - you are no better than a child in a schoolyard.  In every environment that I have ever worked in - people discuss business like people.  Intelligently, calmly, with action plans in place. To me, that seems to be the right way to do it.  Never is public humiliation, or bullying an acceptable plan.  Ever.

So I am writing this, hoping to change one heart.  Just one.  If someone reads this who believes that is a proper form of business - reevaluate.   You will never gain the respect of other people, by public shaming.  Because guess what?  Not one person will be on your side.  Every single person will feel for the person visibly shaking and trying to maintain a businesslike composure.  That is the people who are classy - the ones when provoked - who stood firm.  I don't know if I could do the same.  To be honest, I am sure I couldn't.

And if you have experienced bullying as an adult or child - remember - It is not you.  They have something, within themselves, to where that is the only way they feel powerful.  And if you can keep from screaming, feel bad for them.  I wish I could say I feel bad for them - but not yet - I am still mad.

I'm ending this with a video of my vacation - because it was awesome - and remember what relaxing and being thankful is about.  And remember - you never know what someone is going through - use your words carefully.