Whether you are a male employee, manager, or CEO, today’s workplace is practically a war zone thanks to the #MeToo movement. Now, more than ever, men are uncomfortable interacting with female coworkers, due to the fear of being accused of sexual harassment. Ironically, this is precisely the type of behavior that could lead to harassment claims because close collaboration between men and women ensures harmonious workplaces and everyone’s success. Ignoring women not only puts men on the path to a potential “court-martial” but also fails women, one of the greatest assets of the modern workforce and economy.
Men are going to extraordinary lengths to avoid unwarranted sexual harassment claims. I’ve heard some men say that they’re not going to talk to any women at work and others say that they’re only going to hire “ugly” women to defend themselves. I doubt either of these actions are going to help their organizations to be more profitable or productive.
My upcoming book, “Men in the Minefield” will give men the tools to spot the danger signs of employees and managers who are prone to sexual harassment claims. It will include quizzes that will help men determine how likely they are to harass women. There will also be a separate workbook so men can develop a strategy their own for operating safely in the specific organization where they work.
In future posts I’ll provide practical ways that men can interact with women safely in the workplace but also support those that they see are harassed. I’ll also share stories of women who have been harassed and how it makes them feel so we men can better understand what some of them go through on almost a daily basis.
SO WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT STAYING SAFE IN THE NEW WORLD OF #METOO AND WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE YOU USING TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
If you want your employers to have a discussion and learn about these techniques, Book Michael Soon Lee to present "Men in the Minefield of Sexual Harassment" at your next company seminar.