Archive for the ‘Sexual Harassment’ Category

Communication: Tone and NonVerbal Behavior Impact

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Emotional CommunicationAn important aspect of communication is how the words are spoken, not just what is said.

Sometimes the words alone carry the bulk of the message and are the most important part of the communication. However, in most communications, especially those that are emotional in nature, such as those involving conflict, the words used are only a part of what (more…)

Chicago Tilted Kilt: Workplace Sexual Harassment

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

Workplace MediationOn June 1, a complaint alleging workplace sexual harassment was filed in the Chicago office of the federal Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) against the Tilted Kilt bar and restaurant.

The complaint, filed on behalf of 10 current and former waitresses, alleges that a manager at the downtown Chicago location has engaged in inappropriate and sexually harassing behavior repeatedly since the restaurant opened in 2009. Specifically the complaint alleges: a manager made sexually explicit comments (more…)

Bishop Eddie Long & Accusers Reach Resolution

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Georgia megachurch leader Bishop Eddie Long and the four young men that filed suit against him for sexual misconduct have successfully reached a settlement through mediation.

The parties agreed to mediate in December of 2010. The initial mediation session was held in February and full resolution was reached within a few months. (more…)

Donald Trump – Bullying Gone Mainstream

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

There is so much talk about bullying in the news recently. Bullying in the schoolyard and workplace is finally getting the attention it needs, if we are to lessen the prevalence. However, we seem to – at least – turn a blind eye to and, at most, celebrate bullying behaviors in prominent celebrities and businessmen.

Donald Trump’s recent comments and behavior are a good example. He has stated things and engaged in behavior that if objectively looked at can be described as bullying behavior. Despite this, (more…)

Sexual Harassment and Mediation

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Harassed OfficeworkerThe concept of sexual harassment is not unknown to most people, although the definition or description of what constitutes sexual harassment can vary widely from person to person, and to some extent personal perception is an important aspect to consider when addressing this issue.

HR professionals have to be at the ready to not only respond to sexual harassment allegations but also actively engage to prevent harassment from occurring. (more…)

Workplace Behavior: Defining What Is Appropriate

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Workplace BullyingOne of the issues consistently plaguing employer’s efforts to curb workplace conflict is a lack of a uniform understanding of what is appropriate versus inappropriate behavior among staff.

It seems reasonable to demand that that employees and managers treat one another appropriately. However, if individual employees and managers do not recognize the same definitions of appropriate versus inappropriate behavior, (more…)

Workplace Conflict Case Study: The Navy & Capt. Owen Honors

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

AllAmericanHeadshots.com - NavyOn January 1, 2011 the Virginian-Pilot greeted the new year with a story of videos produced, written, and featuring Naval Captain Owen Honors, at the time commander of the USS Enterprise. Four days later, Capt. Honors, 49, had been relieved of his command and essentially put on desk duty pending further investigation. The cited reason: “profound lack of good judgment and professionalism”.

The Virginian-Pilot article reports that anonymous men and women, who served on the ship at the time the videos, were created and aired, complained immediately to no avail. (more…)