After that, Westlund became the target. His boss began finding small ways to harass him and make his job more difficult, says Westlund. He reduced Westlund's security clearance from 24-7 to business hours but refused to give a reason. He told Westlund's subordinates to ignore his instructions. And he gave him written warnings for mistakes Westlund says were fabricated.
Bullies use a pattern of small and insidious events over a prolonged period of time.
Each act by itself may not seem abusive, but the cumulative effect makes the work environment intolerable, he explains. By contrast, bully bosses see information as power and use it to intimidate and impair their targets. Namie of Bullybusters compares workplace bullying to domestic violence. In both situations, the victims often blame themselves, and their self-esteem suffers. That was true for Westlund.