The workplace has recently been thrown into
the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Sadly, harassment of all kinds is
front and center, especially after the revolting sexual harassment of the likes
of Weinstein and Cosby, to name but a few. The emotional and mental stress endured
by so many hardworking men and women in the workplace today is shameful. The
headlines in both print and broadcast media are filled with news about the
injustices that run rampant in the workplace today.
One of the most important ways to make a
real change in this situation is by supporting a conversation among all
stakeholders, encouraging as many perspectives as possible to come forward and
debate civilly. The time has finally come when normalizing the abnormal and
unacceptable needs to come to an end. Participating in open dialogues about
subjects where differing opinions abound, such as the myriad political and
social worlds, is a real challenge for many of us.
It’s important to keep a realistic
perspective in focus for our children. Protecting children from the cruelties
of life is a natural instinct. However, I see a great opportunity for us to
teach our children and one another how to engage in healthy, age appropriate
discussions. I received this message
from my sister today that expresses my thoughts.
“Another word on this matter... not
to be a downer, but a realist... and maybe even an instigator to action. I said
yesterday that these shootings have put me in touch with a part of me that grew
up under the shadow of the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement. As a child I
felt that not my parents, not my teachers, not our leaders could keep me or us
safe. But no one talked about it. I certainly didn't. But I felt it. I carried
it. Unspoken. In fear. In worry. In helplessness. That is trauma
to a child; make no bones about it. “
“Fast forward
to today. How many children are walking around feeling as if they are not safe?
That the adults can't keep them safe? And to add insult to injury, with
complete inaction on the part of the leaders in this country, just imagine how
hopeless children might feel about the whole situation. Is this what we want
for our children? If ever there was a time - PLEASE do not be complacent on
this issue. Our children are watching and counting on us.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - “We are
now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the
fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there
"is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or
complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
Most of us have been able to sit on the
sidelines as bystanders for a very long time. Unfortunately, this apathy has
become our comfort zone. We need to reengage with our own lives and with our
own communities. The courage required to come forward is considerable. As more
and more people do take that brave and responsible first step, they clear an
open path for other people to do the same.
Opportunities abound to bring greater
emotional awareness and intelligence into the workplace. Exposing injustices
and inappropriate behaviours is a good place to begin. Expressing respect for
each other is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Unfortunately, this
culture of respect and of living our lives authentically is only a glimmer of hope
for most people. Primarily because of the fear of retribution, most people do
not come forward. Fortunately, there is a growing number of people who act
independently or join movements such as #MeToo.
There is no doubt that the exposing of
toxic work cultures within corporations is difficult. However, there is
momentum building, pushing people to do the right thing and embrace diversity
and inclusivity. That same momentum will also give us all a voice we have kept
silent for too long. With practice, we will develop civil discourse, where disagreements
develop healthier perspectives rather than create adversaries.
If you are experiencing harassment of any
kind while at work, I strongly encourage you to speak up. Organizations are
taking harassment, especially sexual harassment, very seriously. These horrible
behaviours are not gender specific, nor are they industry specific. They are
pervasive throughout the workplace at large. Would we not want to leave to our
children a world in which the workplace does not tolerate harassment, and that
if it rear its ugly head, there was a support system in place to assist?
Perhaps teaching our children by example might be a great place to begin.
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