> I know it's a cliche that bullies are always deeply insecure. I think that is the case for workplace bullies too. The brash, over-confident, aggressive act that these people put on works to help them find out who they can victimize.
I just don't agree with this thinking. Thinking that insecurity drives aggression ignores the simple fact that aggression is aggression. It's applying a victim card on top of asshole behavior.
> It's applying a victim card on top of asshole behavior.
Well, we're all in a sense victims of what our environment did to our tabula rasa to make us who we are (for better and worse).
All humans have flaws (insecurity among them). Mistreating others is never an excusable way to conduct ourselves. I do not intend to give anyone a pass.
FYI I think it's necessary to point out that brash behavior can have its origin in insecurity, since many seem to assume it has its origin in competence and frustration with others' incompetence.
I just don't agree with this thinking. Thinking that insecurity drives aggression ignores the simple fact that aggression is aggression. It's applying a victim card on top of asshole behavior.