Leadership
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many cases like the one above. It exposes the fact that for way too long we have had policies, procedures and even laws that say one thing and actions which say something else. It has also (in the responses) highlighted the need to push blame elsewhere. Before you say that is a minority, let’s look at this a little closer. There is appreciation – “you look good today” (said to someone you are close enough to say that to), often followed with “great dress” or “that colour looks good on you”, and there is harassment - “you look edible”, “smoking hot!”, “I could take you right here”... and so on. The #metoo and what has happened in Hollywood and Politics put a mirror up to our businesses and shines a spotlight on our management teams in particular. Whether we have done it ourselves or not, many of us have been complacent in allowing a locker-room culture to enter our workplaces. Let me be clear here, relationships between people will develop in work environments; you cannot stop the course of nature. There is however a big difference between something that is consensual and something which isn't. What we do need to understand is that a person’s business ‘uniform’ is not an invitation for you to hit on them, nor are they going to make themselves unattractive just to help you. Women don't expect that just because a man has taken the care to look his best that he is looking to hook up. Men need to understand that
women often dress to make themselves feel good and not for anyone else. Each and every one of us needs to stop coming up with excuses for our actions, regardless of gender. As managers, business owners and employees alike, we need to ensure that the workplace is a safe environment for all and take action to see that is true.
Maggie Georgopoulos is the author ofUp The Ladder In A Skirt and a leading authority in the retention offemale talent and building a sustainable mental health culture in organisations. She is currently working with organisations to help them implement their mental health policies. For further information visit: www.magsinspires.com
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