bullying

When should you interrupt a speaker?

By Ann Macfarlane / April 26, 2018 / Comments Off on When should you interrupt a speaker?
A wooden gavel rests atop its matching sound block, symbolizing law and justice, swiftly silencing any inappropriate remarks in the courtroom.

We see so many instances of rude behavior in public life today that it is not easy to keep our bearings about civility. Polite people who have been well brought up sometimes feel stymied when public discourse disintegrates. 

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When the chair is a bully or out of line

By Ann Macfarlane / June 28, 2016 / Comments Off on When the chair is a bully or out of line
Close-up of a dictionary page showing the word "Bullying" in bold, followed by its definition, highlighting how sometimes even an authority figure like a chair is a bully.

What can you do when the chair is a bully, or out of line? Unfortunately, sometimes the chair lets their position go to their head. We outlined some basic principles about bullying in this post, “Do you have a bully on board?” If you are burdened with a chair who bullies or intimidates others, we suggest…

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Do you have a bully on board?

By Ann Macfarlane / February 15, 2016 /
antique carving of bully

Reader Lon Garrison from Alaska asks how to deal with a bully who intimidates other members of the school board, including the chair. There are several things a body can do to resolve this unfortunate situation. Points to consider: 1) Bullying is never allowed at board or council meetings. It’s just common sense that when…

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