Displaying unity and acknowledging the different and potentially divisive concerns among employees will show that leaders aren’t taking sides. There are employees in many organizations today who are fearful to speak up if harassed, fearful of wrongful accusations, fearful of being misunderstood and fearful to collaborate in groups and bond over a coffee or drink.
Strong acknowledgement of the fact that many – predominantly – women have experienced unwanted sexual advances and harassment in the workplace demands sensitivity by male leaders. On the other hand, women leaders have a responsibility to ensure that the men within their companies are not positioned as predators or to be feared that every remark will be questioned.
Trusting unity between the genders will help ensure that all the hard years women have put into their careers will remain unharmed. Before we create new policies, or even laws — and by this produce another notion of victim and offender — let’s first try to build a trusting atmosphere to melt the fears throughout the organization.