#MeToo Is About Everyone

Anger is rampant. Accusations are rampant. Accountability is rampant. Men are running for cover, and women feel more empowered than ever before. 

It's embarrassing that in a country with as much potential as the United States, it's taken this long for these voices to be heard. It's also embarrassing that men continue to behave this way.

When we consider the racial and religious divide that has been reignited and supported over the last two years, it's a miracle that anyone dares speak out.

What Is Happening?
Has something fundamentally changed? Have centuries of abuse, harassment and a male dominated society finally started to crumble? Has the pendulum swung so far and so fast that no one is entirely sure what the 'new normal' looks like?

I don't have the answer.

But I do know one thing...

"We are not supposed to be afraid of each other."

I've heard that men are afraid to mentor women? 

What?

I've heard that men are not sure how to behave around women? 

What?

I've heard that women and men are being so cautious, that it is impacting how and when work actually gets done.

WHAT?!

The Missing Piece

Where is the leadership? Why isn't someone offering a balanced point of view? Why isn't someone demanding civil discourse on these complicated issues? Why are men running scared, when they should be standing up and making their voices heard in support of their colleagues, friends and family?

Where are the powerful male voices supporting #MeToo?

Mainstream media doesn't provide any leadership from the left or the right.

Political leaders who have the most influence are clearly falling short.

Many companies espouse "equality" and "value their employees" but I see precious little in writing, and even less 'action' from their leaders, taking a stand.

Who, then, is going to lead the way? Here's the answer...you and I are going to do it. 

We are going to have the difficult conversations. We are going to write in a calm, thought-provoking way to ensure opinions and ideas are heard. 

We are going to listen to each other. 

We are going to be role models for our children, our employees, and our leaders.

You and I are going to lead the way.

How About You

How do you feel about our world? Does your company's leadership team openly discuss these challenging issues? Is there a candid conversation occurring in your organization that sets an example for us all? What about you...how are you leading the way?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

pic

Catatonic

I'm a big believer that leaders need to speak up. Not some of the time...not once in a while...but all the time. This is particularly important when someone is being attacked unfairly.

But it's politically treacherous, right?

...breath fast...

Get Me Out of Here
It often begins as a veiled attempt at humor. A sharp comment during a meeting that appears to be well-intended. But then it continues...and feels different when the next comment seems to get more serious.

The impact triggers the same set of emotions every time.
- awkwardness, nervous laughter, eyes darting around the room
- then, as the behavior continues, all eyes focus on their phones or the floor

You now sit quietly and feel as if you are stuck between the aggressor and the victim.

...no sound...I feel you near...

Time for Action

Allowing these behaviors to continue in your organization (or mine) is a catastrophic leadership failure. 

There is no other way to describe it...hide it...or sweep it under the carpet. 

If you believe the hours of wordsmithing you've done to build your values statement were worth it, then you have to live those values through action.

Even when senior leaders act like jerks.

...heart pounds...but nothing moves...

How About You
When was the last time you experienced one of these awkward moments? Did you stare at your shoes or check your email?  Guess what? The person on the receiving end of the behavior was desperately hoping you would speak up.

Catatonic.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

pic
inspiration