Workplace bullies are skilled manipulators and politicians who harass others not out of social frustration but to fulfill their professional ambitions. Take Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, for example. His bullying and coercive tactics were so legendary that they were termed “the Johnson Treatment.” Below you can see Johnson effectively giving Senator Theodore Green of Rhode Island the Treatment.

On his somewhat irreverent Dead Presidents Tumblr, self-proclaimed presidential historian Anthony Bergen describes Johnson’s bullying tactics beyond physical intimidation: “Lyndon Johnson had an innate, often stunning ability to read the personalities of others and immediately understand exactly how to ingratiate himself with them...Johnson would tailor his strategy differently for everybody he approached, and his success rate was astonishing.” Johnson sought out those who would propel his career forward, often stating “Power is where power goes.”

While a president is a rather extreme example, according to the Workplace Bullying Institute, more than 50% of workers have witnessed workplace bullying. Read more about the characteristics and effects of a potential workplace bully in our ebook Bullying Their Way to the Top and avoid hiring employees who might dole out their own version of the Johnson Treatment.

Gordon Ramsay, one of the most explosive personalities in the culinary industry, is widely known for his entrepreneurial genius as well as his bullying tactics and creative insults on TV shows Hell’s Kitchen and Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. His verbally abusive outbursts have brought tears to many aspiring chefs’ eyes as he decimates their confidence with scathing derision. Back to your Easy-Bake Oven!

Studies show that, while Gordon Ramsay may be sensationalized by reality TV, boss bullies are quite real. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, 35% of workers have experienced workplace bullying and that, alarmingly, the vast majority are managers, supervisors, and executives.

Many workplace bullies suffered from a turbulent childhood, not excluding Ramsay, and overcompensate later in life with a ruthless drive for power. Unfortunately, studies show that bullied employees have higher rates of turnover and lowered engagement.

Learn how to understand the bullies in your office and never hire another bully again in our complimentary ebook, Bullying Their Way to the Top.

In season 3, episode 15, of the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” one of the characters introduces the gang to a workplace phenomenon called the chain of screaming. I’ll let the video clip below do the heavy lifting, but it basically works like this: my boss’s boss screams at my boss, who in turn screams at me, after which I scream at one of my subordinates, and so on.

Although this seems like a clever joke around which to build a 20-minute episode, according to an article published yesterday on Forbes.com, the chain of screaming is real – sort of.

A new study suggests that bullying bosses affect more than just their victim. Researchers polled 233 people from various fields and found that, much like the chain of screaming, victims of a bullying boss often turn into bullies themselves, spreading their discontent through the office like a nasty virus.

Hogan’s own research supports these findings – 75% percent of working adults say the most stressful aspect of their job is their immediate boss.

Fortunately, companies aren’t powerless against the effects of bullying bosses and the disengaged workforces they create. To find out more, check out our free eBook, “Leadership: You’re Doing It Wrong.”