BOSS’S PLEDGE
I know the team that I have been entrusted to lead cannot function at its best if any one of us is made to feel uncomfortable, under-valued or disrespected. This is true no matter the reason, but it is utterly unacceptable if toxic masculinity and sexual harassment are to blame. Ability, skill, motivation and results have nothing to do with gender or sexual orientation.
I pledge that I will not tolerate any level of sexual harassment in my team, or any extent of toxic masculinity. I will act swiftly and decisevely to have complaints of sexual harassment thoroughly and sensitively investigated.
I promise that I will fully familiarise myself with all aspects of this undesirable behaviour, and that I will lead by example and instil a culture of mutual respect in our team. I promise that my door (real or figurative) will always be open and no one will be made to feel uncomfortable or awkward to report sexual harassment incidents and concerns to me.
I pledge that complaints brought to me will not be allowed to lead to subsequent harassment. Furthermore, I pledge to push for a company sexual harassment policy, and if one is in place, I will provide it to our team members.
Finally, I pledge that I will not allow comments made in my presence that are in poor taste, or continue to entrench toxic masculinity or the trivialisation of sexual harassment, to go unchallenged. I will make sure we #dontlookaway.