Case 2: Respect at Work Part 1:

Imagine a supervisor making the following comments:

Im really impressed with you. Youve got great ideas. Youre sharp. Im sure its been hard for you around here. People sometimes just dont take beautiful women seriously.

Your blouse is very...attractive. Be careful. You wouldnt want to give a guy the wrong idea.

Questions Part 1:

1. What would you do if something like this happened to you?
2. What should you do if something like this happened to you?
3. What would you do if youd see/hear a colleague make such comments to another colleague?

Part 2:

Feeling uncomfortable with these comments from your supervisor, you go to your boss and explain the situation. You get the following response:

Come on now. Im sure he didnt mean anything by it. Hes really a great guy, one of our best performers. He pushes to be the best. And he wants you to be your best. Thats all.

I know youre a little uncomfortable right now, but youre strong. Youre tough. I think you have it in you to move past this.

Listen, I dont want you to feel unsupported or unsafe. Ill make sure hes taken the Sexual Harassment training module, so you shouldnt have any more misunderstandings. I dont think you should give it another thought. If youre ever going to make it as a manager, youve got to be willing to let a little unpleasantness roll off your back. Just keep in mind the big picture.

Questions Part 2

1. How would you evaluate the boss reaction? Is it enough to have the supervisor take the Sexual Harassment training? How would you feel if you faced a similar situation and your boss reacted in this way?
2. Would you say the boss is an ethical leader?
3. What would you do if you were the boss?