From Bystander to Upstander

The world is a dangerous place to live in,

Not because of the people who are evil, 

But Because of the people who do nothing about it

Working in a toxic environment can make anyone feel helpless. Even HR representatives can feel like their hands are tied. But you have the power to change the trajectory of your organization’s culture. By going from bystander to upstander—someone who holds their coworkers accountable for bad behavior—you can turn a toxic workplace into a supportive environment where employees are able to do their best work. In this course, Learn how to build an upstander culture, hold employees and peers to professional conduct, and develop the skills you need to speak up when fellow employees are being bullied or harassed.

An upstander understands the need for Empathy,  dignity and compassion. 

• Create an upstander culture

• Set behavioral standards

• Understand your role as an upstander

• Overcome fears and uncertainty

• Leverage tools and scripts for standing up

You have the ability to change your work culture, and if you do that, you become an Upstander. Be clear on what behaviours are not encouraged.

Show support – ask what they want from you. Both would have their side of story – 

Be mentally available

Take detailed notes – ask open ended question

Don’t make promises too soon.

Find how you can support 

Work on a timeline

Speak to those involved in the bad behaviour. 

How do you like to be treated by the peers and Manager

Use company core values. Turn core values into core competencies. 

Being direct can be hard because you have to think on your feet. But here are some good tips. First, if your feelings are really intense, decide whether you should say something then or take time to calm down. Either way, you have to say something, but being direct is not about being emotional or confrontational. Second, keep it concise and simple. Brief is better. Third, you've heard this before, but use I statements to keep the other person from getting defensive. Also, focus on the behavior, not the person. Fourth, avoid always and never because they weaken your point. They are exaggerations, so they hinder your credibility, and they create defensiveness in the person you're talking to. If you're not normally a direct person, it'll be helpful to try out your skills before using them at work

Reframe

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- Reframing is about choice. For example, you could see a coworker or boss as a problem that you're unable to change, or you can see it as a challenge to be overcome and make you stronger. According to psychologists, the frame you choose dictates your actions.

Cant change your situation, change your self. 

Be an Upstander and A.C.T.

A = ASK: When you hear someone tell a joke that belittles others or use a word that is demeaning, ask, “Do you know what that word means?  Did you intend to be hurtful?”

C = CHOOSE: Being an upstander is a choice, just like being a bystander is a choice – but doing or saying nothing in the face of injustice implies that you agree.

T = TEACH: Teach by example of how you live your life. “Upstander” is a verb, as well as a noun.  I cannot call myself an upstander if others do not witness me as such.

Bystanders are those who witness injustice and do or say nothing.  Doing or saying nothing sends a message that injustice is acceptable.

It isn’t! Be an Upstander.

An Upstander is someone who:

is a defender, advocate, and supporter of human rights and human dignity;

acts when witnessing inequality, injustice, or oppression;

recognizes the need for empathy, dignity, and compassion;

recognizes, engages, and empowers others to confront injustice.