When The “Buddy” Is The Real Bully!

Bullying in schools is always a hot topic of discussion. But what if the bullying in the school isn’t amongst the learners? What if the biggest bully in the school is the main peanut in the packet? The principal! Sounds bizarre, right? Teachers spend every waking moment in the workplace preventing learners from bullying each other and having another statistic in their classrooms. Many people would find it very surprising that teachers themselves can be the victims of bullying.

Bully leadership is authoritative. It is super uncomfortable and there is an overwhelming feeling of anger and wanting to slam someone’s face into the first available door or table. But don’t get me wrong, bullying from a principal’s side isn’t physical abuse, I like to call it psychological bullying. Like dropping snide comments and at inappropriate times that stresses a teacher out to the max and it can also mean ignoring a teacher’s efforts and throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to professional development and career success.

But do bully leaders consider themselves to be bullies?

Principal bullies often believe strongly that they are very capable leaders and are unable to distinguish between the qualities of good leadership and bullying.Often bully leaders believe that they are simply getting everyone on side, focusing on the current initiative. They reckon they are hugely successful. And oh, believe me, they get attention and ‘results.’ Top management can’t wait to cheers on the top bully in the band. But that success is usually very short-lived.

It can be very difficult for Superintendents to identify a bully principal. Bully principals don’t show their Jekyll sides outside of their school while they are focused on showcasing and taking credit for their successes. Trustees, Directors and SO’s want to see success and it’s easy to be blinded by a bully principal’s charm and confidence. According to Donna Miller Fry, a teacher in Ontario who has openly written about the subject, the following signs should NOT be ignored!

What are the signs that something is not right?

• Good teachers are being let go and weak teachers are being brought in. A bully principal needs teachers who can be controlled. Teachers who stand up to them are dangerous. Is there a school where the hiring pattern causes surprise?
• Vulnerable teachers are doing extra work. Look deeply into the new projects and ideas. Are they being run by teachers whose position are in danger of termination? Are they being pressured into taking on extra work with their job on the line?
• A pattern of attack on an initiative. Is an initiative consistently interrupted or questioned by a Principal? Who is in charge of the initiative? Is this teacher being bullied by the principal?
• Is there a principal who is not openly welcomed to collaborate with the others principals? Why is that? Often other principals are fully aware that someone in their midst is a bully – and they steer clear.

How does an egotistical bully principal affect the school?

• Good people leave. Effective teachers will not stick around in this environment.
• Senior management loses credibility when they unknowingly favour and promote the work of bullies.
• Future leaders in the building need to take time to re-build trust, which means a longer time before issues of student achievement are addressed. Children don’t have this kind of time to waste.
• Desperate bullied teachers may behave unprofessionally out of frustration.

Bully Principals have long-term effects on schools throughout a District. Teachers need a safe method of reporting bullying, without fear of losing their jobs and having to eat two-minute noodles after they retire!