As a career woman (engineer) and entrepreneur, I have had the unfortunate opportunity to work for bullies and expose corruption.  As I see it, bullies I have encountered possess the following traits:

1. A bully will directly or indirectly place subordinates in the line of fire to take blame for corrupt, malicious or even illegal activities that they permit.
2. Like child bullies, adult bullies exert more power when they have their supporters around them.  Once alone, or “caught”, they will lie and deceive to avoid bringing forth the truth.
3. They are gluttons of ego, greed and power.
4. They use their power to intimidate those working for, with and around them.
5. They oppress others in ways that may be emotional, physical, mental or spiritual in nature.
6. A bully will create an environment of intimidation, fear and anxiety.  People within this environment become fearful of standing up for their rights.  The morale within this type of environment will become extremely low.

If you are encountering bullying and/or exposing corruption, here are some suggestions:

1. Keep your own house in order.  Don’t throw stones at others when you are doing the same, or worse.
2. When a bully asks (or tells) you to do something corrupt, you must maintain your good character and allegiance of being true to your (moral) self.  As adults, we know right from wrong.  When you participate in wrong, expect that you will reap what you have sown.  Contempt breeds contempt, corruption breeds corruption.
3. Always know on what side of history you desire to reside.  Please know that wrongdoing is ALWAYS caught.  It may take time, but historically, nothing good has come from corrupt actions.  Place yourself in a position to always be on the right side of history.
4. Keep good documentation of every situation that you believe may involve corruption and/or bullying towards yourself or your staff.   When it becomes necessary to expose the behavior, seek the advise of a trusted legal counselor outside of your organization.
5. With every decision, consider; is this action illegal or immoral.  Also, let your (good) conscience be your guide.
6. Always be mindful of who to trust with your words, thoughts or dreams.
7. Stand Up for What is Right!

Appellant’s Brief_BBFES_11.2013

FINAL-1-9-14-Reply Brief Appellant – w-Appendix