There’s something about public humiliation that hits differently, especially at work. You’re doing your job one moment, and the next, bam! Someone in power decides to flex their authority by belittling you or making you the poster child for their bad day.
And if you’ve ever been called a "duffer" or a "donkey" — that too publicly — you know exactly what I’m talking about, and why I’ve decided to tackle this issue this week.
Workplace humiliation isn’t just about a bruised ego. It chips away at your confidence, your dignity, and sometimes even your will to show up the next day.
It could be a boss who thinks they’re the reincarnation of God, a client who believes their paycheck entitles them to insult you, or a senior, who assumes hierarchy gives them a free pass to be nasty. Before you even process what’s happening, you’re standing there, humiliated, heart pounding, caught between the instinct to retaliate, and the fear of making things worse.
But here’s the thing, the world is full of insecure people hiding behind authority. The moment you let their words define you, you start shrinking. So, let’s talk about how to armour up, stand your ground, and walk out of these situations stronger than ever.
Hello to the 'not-so-glamorous' reality of workplace humiliation. It’s raw, it’s unfair, and if not handled right, it can wreck your confidence, self-esteem, and even your career, but your power doesn’t lie in avoiding such moments — it lies in mastering the art of the comeback.
Gracefully. Boldly. Unapologetically.
I've seen this happen. I’ve experienced it. In the heat of the moment, we usually react — clap back, storm out, or shrink into ourselves. But pause. Take a deep breath.
In high-stakes situations, emotional intelligence is your biggest weapon. If someone tries to humiliate you, don’t give them the satisfaction of an emotional outburst.
Instead, respond with a calculated, composed reaction. A simple, "I’d appreciate it if we discuss this professionally" can shut down unnecessary theatrics.
Or, if it’s a public setting, a well-timed, "I’d be happy to discuss this constructively — shall we take it offline?" puts you back in control. The idea is to signal confidence, not submission.
Pro Tip: Master the art of the deadpan response.
Workplace humiliation thrives on provocation. The person humiliating you wants to see you flustered. But what if you didn’t give them that satisfaction?
So, the next time your boss yells, "How can you be so incompetent?" instead of reacting emotionally, just say:
"I hear you. What would you like me to do differently next time?"
No sarcasm, no emotion — just a smooth, professional counter. Watch them struggle to maintain their theatrics.
If words fail, let your posture do the talking. Square your shoulders, lift your chin, and hold eye contact. A straight posture screams confidence. A slight smirk says, "Nice try, but I’m unshaken."
And silence? Sometimes, it’s the biggest power move.
Let them finish their little show, then respond in a measured tone. The more rattled they want you to be, the calmer you should appear. This is psychological warfare, and trust me — it works.
Remember: your body language is a weapon. Use it.
Public humiliation thrives on one thing — your willingness to accept shame. But what if you refused to play along?
Let’s say you were called out for a mistake in front of everyone. Instead of turning red and mumbling an apology, take a beat, acknowledge the mistake (if it’s real), and own it.
"Yes, I missed that. I’ll make sure it’s fixed. Thanks for pointing it out."
No grovelling. No unnecessary guilt. Just the confidence to admit an error without making it a moral failing.
The bonus?
It’ll actually make the person humiliating you look like the duffer. If the accusation is unfair, then?
Simple. Call it out — professionally.
"I’d be happy to clarify my approach." Perhaps there was a misunderstanding? Boom. You’ve seized control.
If someone hurls a direct insult — say, “You’re incompetent” — flip it back.
"That’s an interesting perspective. Would you like to clarify what exactly led you to that conclusion?"
Nine times out of ten, they’ll stumble or backpedal.
Toxic bosses thrive on breaking people. If public humiliation is a pattern, your real power move is knowing when to exit. And trust me — leaving on your own terms is not defeat. It’s a power play.
My mantra? Your mental well-being takes precedence over everything else.
True revenge isn’t about shouting the best one-liner. It’s about making yourself impossible to ignore.
If someone calls you incapable, prove them wrong with results so loud they can’t be ignored. Channel every ounce of frustration into mastering your craft, networking, and levelling up.
When you rise beyond their reach, their words become nothing but noise from the past.
Revenge is a dish best served cold, isn’t it?
Even if you handled it well, workplace humiliation stings. Here’s how to detox emotionally:
Vent it out — smartly: Confide in someone you trust. Not in office gossip circles.
Write it out: Putting it on paper helps release frustration. And for extra effect? Shred it while visualising it being deleted from your mind.
Reframe the narrative: Instead of "I was humiliated," try "I handled a tough situation with grace and did it like a boss."
Detach your worth: One person’s opinion does not define your talent, intelligence, or value. Period.
Final thoughts: Own your story
Workplace humiliation can feel like a punch to the gut. But the real question is — what are you going to do about it?
Let it break you? Or let it build your resilience?
The next time someone tries to bring you down, remember: their words only have power if you let them.
Hold your ground. Be strategic. And walk away knowing that true strength isn’t about dodging humiliation — it’s about rising above it, because, my darlings, you’re too powerful to be shaken by someone else’s insecurity.
With regards,
Adarsh Benakappa Basavaraj,
Your unshakable, unapologetic Coach
