College Success Tip # 52 - Handling Up on Group Bullies
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Romans 12:14-16
With all the differing viewpoints, frames of reference, paradigms, experiences, backgrounds, thoughts and opinions College students are bound to disagree on a lot of issues. Whether these issues involve personal, political, religious, relational or academic matters, everyone will not always agree.
So, with that being stated, when your professor assigns the class to groups there will be a range of personalities. There will also be a range of excuses for those individuals who don’t want to contribute or who want the group to follow their demands and requests.
So, what do you do in the event of a Group Bully?
My tip to you is DON’T ACCEPT OR TOLERATE IT.
Bullies only get away with what others allow them to get away with. Allow the Bully to understand that you aren't for the disrespect. Resist their antics and boldly expose them. Not in a disrespectful way but let them know, I feel like you are “boss hogging” this intellectual learning environment. If they get irate and disrespectful, keep your cool and respect them.
Be sure not to slander them or speak loosely or vile about them no matter the emotions you experience. But the bully must be exposed. The bully might even slander your name to the class, group or instructor but keep your cool and produce fruit that will put them to shame, which is completed assignments, maintaining respect with your other classmates and keeping your professor updated on the status of your group assignment (including the work ethic of each member of the group and your concerns.) Documentation is key.
You shouldn’t live in fear in college because a cantankerous bully didn’t get their way. Your ideas shouldn’t be dismissed or diminished because a bully is jealous of your ideas.
You are more than a conqueror. Respect them, address them and continue to Progress with or without them.
You are Degree Bound!
Peace & God Bless,
Aiming Towards the Target,
Dr. Bryant
