Don't Feed the Trolls

There is a saying in blogging: Don't feed the trolls.

In other words, don't get into extended arguments with abusive people who take delight in the discomfort of others.

Unfortunately, you can find many fat trolls in the workplaces of the world. They are fed by:

• Management's ignoring an utter lack of people skills because the troll's technical ones are solid;
• The organization's fear of litigation and confrontation;
• Upper management's denial that the person is a troll;
• A high-ranking ally's protection;
• Employees who permit co-workers to be bullied because that means the troll's attention is not focused on themselves;
• Reinforcement by fellow trolls;
• An education deficit that convinces the troll that he or she has all of the answers;
• Unions that back any troll who is a member; and
• An organizational culture that devalues people.

If management, with little hesitation, can name several trolls, the obvious questions are "How are you feeding them?" and "Why are they here?"