When you are bullied to the point where you stop believing in yourself, the bully has probably achieved his/her goal. It is true, though, that for most bullies, the effect on the victim is a side issue, it is all about personal power. I have recently finished a novel called The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer. One of the central themes is that we carry the damage from our youth into old age. Once our self image is unstable, the process to rebuild confidence in ourselves and our abilities, is intense. The reality of low self esteem impacts every area of life. When it hits you in your skills and abilities, day to day effectiveness is a challenge, let alone applying for promotions. There is no "one size fits all" answer, and it really does require courage and commitment. If it is financially viable, therapy is a key part of rebuilding self image. If it isn't, there are steps that somebody who is being victimised can take. Howe...
Its just my opinion.... Sharing thoughts, experiences and insights on business issues (and a few personal ones too)