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Girl power environment or sexually inappropriate comments or both?

September 2005

Dear Office-Politics,

New to the organization of just 3 months, but have been with corp for over 3 years.  Within the first week, I'm referred to as "we got another penis in the office" by my team leader.  Team leader, with prior plans to change company and location, leaves company with another revelation that her and our supervisor believe that if one is to be in the workplace, one must have a penis.  In order to be heard and taken seriously, upper management only listen to ideas coming from men.  This is all expressed in a laughing, funny manner while other co-workers listened in and laughed along with the comments.

With understanding to my position/role as outlined in my job description, I was brought into the company to function as a team leader, provide guidance and leadership to subordinates.  Since my onset, my role as defined has been reduced to being considered a peer / equal and I am asked not to think of anyone leading anyone.  I have adjusted to the role clarity articulated to me by my supervisor, but I believe she doesn't have my best interest in mind and I am being held back from what my written job description had spelled out and to the reason I took the position.  I am uncomfortable w/knowing that my supervisor holds views toward men re:penis and I feel w/the majority of my co-workers being female, my supervisor has created a hostile work environment.

What are my options?  Start looking for other opportunities or seek HR support?  This is a federal government position acting outside the GS pay system.

Y Chromosone

Dear Y Chromosone,

So your question is, do I confront a clearly dysfunctional work environment or do I run from it?

First, I recommend you consult with legal counsel in the locale of your employment to find out your rights.

Also, that person or perhaps a friend or adviser or therapist should be available to support you as you move forward whatever you decide to do. Having support is quite valuable.

Subject to the advice and counsel of a lawyer and under the facts you portray, if it were me, I'd definitely seek HR support and demand a work environment that complies with the law. I'd also take a stand for the job I was hired to perform.  I'd be polite but firm. I would trust in my belief that the work environment is inappropriate and something that must change. I would know that I deserve better and that what I ask for would benefit not only me but the company as well.

I believe that standing up for myself in this way would strengthen me and would likely cause a positive shift for the company and myself.

So that's what I would do. By the way you phrased your question, it seems you are ready to stand and fight for yourself. Otherwise you would have left already and not taken the time to write this question. However even if you chose to leave, you are in a win-win situation.  Either way is better than staying in the bad situation. Either way you'll be moving forward. For your empowerment. Thanks for writing to Office-Politics.

Arnie Herz

Arnie Herz, Esq.
Author, LegalSanity
Attorney at Law