Blame in the Workplace
Definition, Occurrence and Symptoms: Assignment of responsibility of fault or wrong. To hold someone responsible for something negative that happened.1 To blame is to hold another person or group responsible for perceived faults real, imagined, or merely invented for pejorative purposes. Blame is an act of censure, reproach, and often outright condemnation. Blame is used to place responsibility and accountability for faults on the blamed person or group.2 Blamers may be close friend, intimate partner, family member, teenage child, colleague, boss, in-law or acquaintance. People being blamed may be yelled at, cursed at, argued with, bullied, harassed and accused.3 Victims of blame may experience symptoms of stress, difficulty collaborating, lack of productivity, crying, unhappiness, depression, low self-esteem, insecurity, projection, guilt, anger or fear. The opposite of blame is to forgive or absolve.
Coping Strategies: When experiencing blame, stand up for yourself when you know you are not at fault. Limit interactions with those who blame you for occurrences. Stay calm. Reach out to individuals in authority to diminish or eliminate current or future occurrences of blame. While ignoring blamers may be difficult and ineffective, sometimes it’s the only way to persevere. Communicate that you are being blamed or accused incorrectly. Self-preservation: don’t take blame personally. Speak to a therapist, confidant or leader about accusations.3 Forgive the blamer. Foster and communicate a work environment where you and coworkers do not feel blamed for faults or wrongs.
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