Thread by @DrPetra

Today’s #ResearchTip is a reminder that badmouthing is a distressing and destructive form of bullying we need to be alert to in academia. What is it? Find out in the thread ⬇️ #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

What is badmouthing? It’s when
- untrue
- unkind
- unfounded
information or rumours about a person are shared by one or more individuals, behind the person being badmouthed’s back.
#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Badmouthing in academia happens for a variety of reasons. Most commonly bullying, but also due to
- bad communication or poor management skills
- passive aggressive behaviour
- jealousy or spite

#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Victims of badmouthing may never know what’s been said, but due to the bullying nature of badmouthing the goal is for them eventually to find out that others know personal information or awful things #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

The insidious nature of badmouthing means it
- can be difficult to identify who originated the rumours
- know how many people are aware of them
- challenge or disprove what has been said about you
#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

This can make victims feel afraid,overwhelmed,angry, paranoid, unable to trust others. There are any number of untruths about them they don’t know the full extent of yet desperately wish to disprove. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Badmouthing may be used to bully people out of projects, to deny promotion, block job offers. Or discourage people from networking and organising, or supporting victims #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Badmouthing can happen alongside many other forms of bullying but is common and often missed. Particularly if those originating the rumours are
- senior
- sincere
- strategic

#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Badmouthing in academia works because our networks and trust form the basis of a lot of our practices. Although badmouthing is unethical and harmful it can appear the opposite and draw enablers in #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

This means if a colleague you like, trust, or whose reputation you respect *says* someone else is chaotic, unreliable, unqualified, untrustworthy, difficult or bad you’re very likely to believe them. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

This sometimes means you simply note what you were told and avoid the badmouthed person. Or you may, in good faith (or maybe bad) join in the rumour spreading. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Predictably, minoritised people are especially likely to be the target of badmouthing. Which may be subtle or overt expressions of prejudice,commonly (but not always) pinned to work/study limitations #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

This is a particularly challenging aspect of bullying as already marginalised people (particularly those who’re disabled, chronically sick or victims of hate) are already sidelined,exhausted,fearful #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Here’s where it can getconfusing and more distressing for victims of badmouthing. We rely on the whisper network in academia to warn of exploitation, abuse and harm. Again, especially for minorities. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

What’s the “whisper network”? It is where minorities share information together about documented abusers and/or harmful situations, departments, or institutions to try and protect one another. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

The whisper network exists because institutions consistently fail to address bullying, prejudice, harassment, danger and harm. Patterns of abuse, institutional inaction and victim testimonies abound #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Meaning victims of badmouthing may be acutely aware rumours about them shared by bullies/abusers may be believed because a similar mechanism is a lifeline against bullies elsewhere #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

IME bullying in universities is often made more complex than necessary leading to inertia (or enabling abuse) because of claims it’s too difficult to tell the difference between badmouthing (bullying) and whisper networks (protection against bullying). And therefore not to try.

But for victims this leaves them stuck with a stained reputation that may be more distressing for them still if it’s part of racist, ableist, LGBTQ+phobic, classist abuse #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Victims may doubt themselves, second guess everything, believe they *are* as awful as rumours suggest. Or feel exposed - that everyone else sees and believes the bad things they fear could be true #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Or they *know* they are nothing like the badmouthing suggested but don’t know how to prove it’s not true. Either way they may feel like they’re going mad - not trusting themselves or anyone else #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

This isolates victims who through fear of confirming rumours or due to shame don’t want to ask for help. They may not know who to confront or worry if they do so it’ll prove the rumours right #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Badmouthing can trap people in their departments/courses because either they *cannot* escape because of their trashed reputation, or they are so ground down they’ve no confidence to leave #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Sometimes badmouthing is used by bullies as a threat. For example telling victims they’ll receive a bad reference,have reputations ruined,or that others will be instructed to block career progression #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

We’ve seen this numerous times when bullies are finally exposed that
- lots of people knew of it (whisper network)
- some people tried to deal with it
- universities ignored or even rewarded it
- bullies and allies badmouthed victims to ensure their testimonies weren’t believed

We’ve also seen repeated cases where victims were badmouthed (including involving external services to discredit them) and allies (aka enablers) of the bully have supported them publicly. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

So, given this is an emotive and upsetting area and there is the potential to be confused between a whisper network and badmouthing what should we do? Let’s begin with potential enablers first. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Imagine a colleague you like,trust,admire or want to impress says something negative of a student/colleague. You could
- change the subject
- ignore
- never repeat or embellish what you’ve been told #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Ask them what they intend to do. Those raising a genuine concern will say they’re signposting to support, have asked for mediation or other assistance, seeking training or checking uni regs/systems #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Clues you’re about to become a badmouther’s enabler is they want
1. to tell you bad stuff
2. you to pass it on
3. you NOT to say where the original rumour came from (them)
4. to avoid any action to address a situation or support/challenge the person they’re complaining about

Also badmouthers don’t usually want to hear solutions from you or for you to discover much about the case/person you’re talking about. They want to keep the conversation on how awful their victim is #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

By contrast the whisper network is usually characterised by people trying to collate information, find solutions and build solidarity to a point that action can be taken #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

You can shut a badmouthed down by saying “I don’t gossip about colleagues” or demand proof. For example in a job interview a colleague repeating a negative comment about a candidate has to prove it #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

And that should also be a sign you need more robust recruitment, training and accountability so rumours cannot be used to offer or refuse work or other study opportunities #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

In meetings,events or activities also deploy this. Ask for receipts,solutions,planned approaches. If a person being badmouthed is either a danger to others or in need of help what can/should be done? #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Also ask if the things being said about a person would be said to them in person? Bullies may still often go for this, but often badmouthers don’t want things to involve those they’re speaking about. Not through intimidation or fear but because it would expose lies or cruelty

Again this is sensitive and difficult so seeking advice from colleagues you trust and either avoiding spreading negative rumours or seeking advice from unions/mediation may help you (and victims) #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

Do not pass on things you’re told without checking, reflecting and considering what to do next. This stops you enabling abuse, gives support if someone is struggling, challenges those who’re a danger #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

If you’re a victim? There’s a lot you can do
- keep receipts
- gather witnesses
- join a union
- build a support network
- use counselling or helplines
- remind yourself what is true
- learn about badmouthing
#AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd

Remember the point of badmouthing is to make you doubt yourself and make others doubt you. Having others to reassure you, ensuring you can prove badmouthers are lying or exaggerating, and asking for support is good #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd

Avoid getting caught up in any lies shared. Spend time
- documenting the truth
- finding ways to uplift and distract yourself
- if there is any truth in the rumours get support for yourself in that area #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat

If you are badmouthed to your face (in person, via email or social media) it may be a shock. You may want
- to rebut immediately and firmly
- time alone to seek help, cope the hurt, plan a response #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

If you have evidence of badmouthing in an email or screenshot or someone saying it you may keep this as evidence. Sometimes enablers pass on rumours in good faith but it still hurts #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

You can ask allies, friends or witnesses to collate information so you are spared this exhausting and painful task. And for them to be supportive in ways described above ⬆️ #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

If someone repeats badmouthing to you, you can
- ask them why they feel it appropriate to share
- ask them how they know this
- note why it is wrong and unfair
Depending on if you trust them you can say
- how hurtful this is
- that you are being bullied
- what you will do now

If, however, the bully badmouths you directly you can
- call them on their lie
- name them as engaging in badmouthing and bullying behaviour
Or if safer
- seek witnesses
- document what was said and when
- report them

This also applies if someone threatens to badmouth you if you are intending on escalating a complaint, leaving a workplace, revealing their abuse, challenging their behaviour, or acting as a witness #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

You may have experienced badmouthing and have solutions or your story to share. Please add if you feel able. Lots of people react to badmouthing by leaving academia but the impact of it lasts years #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

That’s another difference between badmouthing victims (who’re driven out of academia) and bullies who in spite of the whisper network often thrive so they and enablers continue to silence others #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp

A further difference is badmouthing originates with one person (and perhaps a few enablers) with no truth/proof of what they're saying.
Whereas the whisper network will have witnesses, evidence etc but be blocked by threats/inertia #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool

Before I left one of my uni jobs I heard a horrible rumour from several colleagues. That I failed to turn up for teaching. Anyone who knows me would realise instantly this isn't true. In fact I was more likely to cover for others AND turn up when I shouldn't have (e.g. was sick)

I wondered who was saying this, but it didn't take long to find out. At a meeting to discuss plans for continuing my contract I was told that I didn't come to work. It threw me somewhat as it wasn't true but I wasn't expecting it to be mentioned. So I asked for proof.

I was told that I had not come in to teach the week prior. And also on another occasion several months before.
This was the basis of the rumour that I was unreliable and didn't do my job.
Rather than speaking to me first, it had been spread around my department.
It was all untrue

But it was very easy for me to disprove. And I did.
I was not in post several months before so couldn't teach on a course I was not yet employed on.
And the week prior I had not only been in to teach but on a separate, non working day had been to my student's graduation.

In fact, I was the *only* member of staff who showed up (unpaid) to support our students (who were wonderful).
I challenged the claim I was unreliable with the fact I was not just reliable, I was exceptionally dedicated.
I asked for an apology.

The rumour was never (to my knowledge) repeated. I also speak of it publicly because it was a lie and one I can prove. I know if I needed to my colleagues and students would also back me up.
But not all victims feel able to do this. And at the time I heard it I was very upset

Badmouthing is often calculated (consciously or not) to hit you in places where you are both proud and anxious. I worked hard and valued my students, but I'd hate people to think otherwise.
You can understand why a sustained badmouthing campaign can intimidate and immobilise

In my case it was ridiculous, refutable and I felt strong enough and angry enough to challenge it promptly. But not everyone can do this and if the badmouthing is persistent and wide ranging in nature it becomes harder to take action by yourself. So you need allies.

The other thing to note is that in this case I could address the badmouthing easily and early on. But what if I hadn't learned about it while in post? What if I couldn't prove I'd not only been at work but done extra (and why should I have had to do that, really)?

I could easily understand colleagues that did know me well (but not that well) or people who didn't know me at all being put off by learning I didn't come to work. And if that was a case of looking for other employment could definitely count against me.

What could have happened here is a quick check to note when I came into post and whether I'd been in to teach. It would've clarified the lie. But the check either wasn't made (or perhaps was) and the rumour spread because that is the point of badmouthing. Destroying reputations

Alongside all the advice in the thread above ⬆️ alongside joining a union (or creating a support network) getting legal advice may be crucial. I acted on my own initiative in the case above, but along with other factors it led to me seeking legal advice which was very helpful

There is advice here on academic bullying of which badmouthing is one of many possible ways you might be harmed within your university or other academic/research spaces theresearchcompanion.com/bullying #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #gradschool #HigherEd #MedEd #PhDChat #PhDHelp