I’ve recently been watching the Disney+ series Rivals, adapted from Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1980s novel. Strictly for research purposes of course; I averted my eyes whenever the raunchy bits came on.

The series certainly brings that era to life, complete with its bold fashion choices, indoor smoking scenes, and a workplace culture that would now feel alarmingly outdated. At the centre of the drama is the sharp suited Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant. A character whose management style is as ruthless as his ambition.

For HR professionals and Senior managers, Tony’s behaviour is a stark reminder of how far workplace culture has come—and why there’s still work to do.

Set firmly in the 1980s, Rivals portrays a workplace where power dynamics are unapologetically hierarchical and bullying behaviour is par for the course. Smoking indoors, unchecked egos, and flamboyant displays of authority define the era, reflecting a time when management training was clearly a rarity and workplace practices were influenced largely by personal experience rather than professional standards.

Tony Baddingham embodies this outdated ethos. His behaviour, which ranges from manipulative tactics to outright intimidation, reflects a time when the idea of “strong leadership” was often synonymous with domineering control.

His management style highlights a time when managers would emulate the behaviours of their own bosses, believing it to be the accepted way to manage. Such behaviours were often rooted in fear and compliance rather than respect and collaboration.

Watching Tony Baddingham in action might feel like stepping into the past, but it’s worth asking: Do you see echoes of his management style in yourself, your colleagues, or past experiences with other leaders? His sharp tone, his tendency to belittle, and his use of authority to manipulate others are all hallmarks of bullying behaviour that have no place in a modern workplace.

Being on the receiving end of such behaviours can have a lasting impact on an employee’s mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity. It’s a sobering reminder of why workplace bullying is now recognised as both harmful and unacceptable. Legislation introduced in more recent years attempts to provide employees with protection against such behaviours, most recently with the Workers Protection Act, but the key to eradicating them lies in proactive measures—starting with appropriate management training.
Despite the strides made since the 1980s, traces of outdated management styles can still creep into the workplace. Managers who lack formal training might inadvertently adopt behaviours similar to those of Tony Baddingham, relying on outdated practices or failing to recognise the damage their actions can cause.

This is why structured leadership and management training, like our own ILM-accredited courses is vital. These courses help managers develop skills to:

• Recognise and avoid bullying behaviours: Professional training ensures managers understand what constitutes inappropriate behaviour and how to foster a culture of mutual respect.
  
  
• Communicate effectively: Constructive feedback, active listening, and empathetic communication are essential skills for modern leaders.
  
  
• Lead with emotional intelligence: Understanding individual motivations and adapting leadership styles to suit different team members creates a more inclusive and supportive environment.
  
  
• Manage conflict professionally: Training equips managers with the tools to handle workplace disputes without resorting to intimidation or aggressive tactics.

Even today, companies can face serious repercussions if bullying behaviours are left unchecked. Beyond potential claims for workplace bullying or harassment, a toxic culture can lead to low morale, high turnover, and reputational damage. Prevention is always better than cure, and investing in proper management training is a proactive way to protect both employees and the business.

Tony Baddingham’s character serves as a cautionary tale for anyone in a leadership position. While his behaviour may have been a reflection of its time, modern workplaces demand a different approach—one rooted in respect, collaboration, and fairness.

The challenge for workplaces is to ensure that such outdated practices stay firmly in the past. By investing in leadership and management training, like our ILM courses, managers can be equipped with the skills needed to create a workplace culture that thrives on professionalism and mutual respect. The best leaders know that success comes not from fear, but from empowering others to succeed.

For more information about our courses, look through the training pages on our website call us on 01452 331331 or contact via our contact page.