324: Lessons in Leadership | What "Quiet Piggy" Really Means

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Workplace bullying is more common than many mid-career professionals realize, and its impact on confidence, performance, and career clarity can be long-lasting. In this episode, we unpack a high-profile moment that reopened old workplace wounds for many. When power is misused to silence or diminish someone, it is more than a headline. It is a reminder of what happens in meeting rooms, team conversations, and one-on-one interactions every day.

If you have ever been interrupted, dismissed, or mocked at work, this conversation gives you practical tools to protect your voice without escalating the tension. You will learn how to identify bullying with clarity, respond with confidence, and set boundaries that reinforce your professionalism and value.

This episode is especially relevant for mid-career professionals navigating tough environments, preparing for interviews, pursuing a promotion, or reassessing their long-term fit within an organization.

What You Will Learn

• A clear definition of workplace bullying and the common forms it takes
• How chronic interruptions and minimizing behaviors shape your visibility and credibility
• Why professionalism is not the same as being passive
• A simple three-part script you can use to redirect a difficult conversation
• When to pause a tense exchange and how to reschedule strategically
• How to document bullying using evidence-based language that supports HR conversations
• When and how to escalate using HR, skip-level meetings, or mediation
• What emotionally intelligent leaders do differently under pressure
• Practical boundary-setting tools that work in both professional and family settings
• How clarity and self-awareness strengthen your leadership presence and career direction

Mid-career is a pivotal time. You are expected to lead, influence, and deliver results while navigating complex personalities, organizational politics, and a rapidly shifting job market. Bullying undermines confidence, weakens your reputation, and creates barriers to advancement. Understanding how to protect your voice and self-advocate is a core skill for job searches, promotions, and long-term career satisfaction.

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