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There seems to be no end to the amount of women coming forward with tragic accounts of sexual harassment and assault from bosses and coworkers. It reveals just how pervasive this issue is in our culture. Here's a few common sense points for us men to keep in mind as we seek to promote a workplace free of sexual harassment and abuse. (Feel free to add more in the comments.)
1. Be an example. If you're a leader, you must take the lead in creating a culture that honors, respects and values the opposite sex. Vulgar talk and inappropriate conduct should never be a part of your character. 2. Promote policies that ensure a healthy work environment. Talk about sexual harassment, offer training and identity inappropriate behaviors. Empower victims with a safe pathway to register complaints. 3. Correct harassers. Don't be a silent accomplice. If you witness sexual harassment, or hear derogatory comments about women, speak up immediately and tell the harasser you find his behavior offensive and inappropriate. 4. Confront "locker room talk," even when a female colleague isn't present. Men of integrity will not tolerate conversations that demean or objectify women, especially their colleagues. Give your integrity a voice! 5. Support the individual being harassed. Be an ally for women who have experienced sexual harassment. Don't protect the harasser, and minimize the incident. Affirm the victim and empower their response. 6. Be professional. You're there to work, not to flirt or fool around, and neither are your opposite sex coworkers. Regard one another as competent professionals who strive for excellence and respect in the workplace. 7. Treat all women as though your wife is standing next to her. Pass all your remarks, gestures and actions through the imagined filter of "How would my wife feel about this if she were in this room?" 8. Always keep the door open. Try to avoid being alone with the opposite sex. But when that's not possible, always meet where doors can be left open as a protection to both of you. 9. Avoid unnecessary physical contact. There may be times when greeting an old acquaintance or giving a congratulatory hug is appropriate; otherwise, avoid putting your hands on the ladies. When contact is warranted, always be cautious, discreet and delicate (and refer to #7). 10. Stop blaming the women. Just because a female coworker is attractive or friendly (or is a subordinate), does not mean she's "interested in you," nor does it give you the right to touch, grope or make sexual advances toward her. Get a grip man! Grow up and control yourself!  Photo Credit: Nick Wagner/AP There will come tragedies, crashing in upon our lives, reminding us we live in a broken world full of broken people who do horrible, unspeakable things. Sutherland Springs is that kind of tragedy. It brings a painful reminder that in this world, there is no sanctuary from evil. Even while we worship and pray, hatred and violence and the worst kind of evil can find its way to us. This is life in a broken world.
It’s also a reminder that with praying and worship must come vigilance. Jesus did not tell us only to pray, He told us to “watch and pray,” signaling the reality that evil is near and we must be ready. While we grieve the tragedies of Sutherland and mourn with those who are suffering, we must also learn from it. There is a “New Normal” facing the church today, and here’s what I’m learning. If it happened in Sutherland Springs, it can happen in my church. Fox News reported Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton gave a dire warning in the wake of Sutherland’s tragedy. "This is going to happen again," he predicted.2 Unpreparedness is no longer an option for churches. For too long, we’ve comforted ourselves with the notion, “If you’re blessed, you won’t be harmed.” But the reality is Saul threw spears at David, Daniel was thrown to the lions, Paul was beaten half to death and Jesus was nailed to a cross. Bad things happen to good people—to God’s people. Church leaders must realize the dangers facing churches today are real, and the worshipers in our sanctuaries may become targets. If it can happen in my church, I must take measures to prevent it. Every church must have sound, reliable security measures. Whether it’s a volunteer team of competent individuals led by a trained and qualified professional, or hiring an armed security guard, every church needs to be seriously prepared for the worst-case scenario. It should be part of the 21st century church culture. Just like having ushers, greeters and a ministry of those who pray, every church needs to have a ministry of those who “watch.” If I’m going to prevent it, I’m going to need help. Implementing a security ministry is not something that should be thrown together haphazardly. Although their intentions may be good, most lay people in the local church are not properly trained to develop and supervise a security ministry. In fact, their over-zealousness may present more problems than solutions. Consult with local law enforcement. Hire a security consultant. Perhaps there are retired police personnel in your congregation who could be utilized. There is a new normal in the church and leaders must adapt. Of course, we believe that God protects us from evil, but we also realize that God will not do by miracle what we must do by common sense. If we know that danger is approaching, we have a duty to prepare and prevent it. The point is this: do something. Inaction is irresponsible and leaders who fail to prepare, fail to lead. (If you need help in assessing or developing your church’s security ministry, I highly recommend www.prosecuritysolutions.biz. Their chief consultants will provide you with excellent guidance as you adapt your church to the new normal.) |
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It was concerning King Saul that David said, “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished.” His was a life that began with great promise and celebration, but ended in miserable failure and humiliation. His life is an example of how the mightiest of leaders fail.
Why do great men and women fall? How do leaders, quick to ascend with such promise of unparalleled success, find themselves awash in disastrous failure and disgrace? More importantly, can the path toward one’s downfall be discerned before it’s too late and be avoided? It is the premise of my newest book, How The Mighty Have Fallen that such a decline can be detected and reversed. The life and leadership career of King Saul, Israel's first king, provides us with a treasury of examples of "what not to do." The below blog post is the first in series of excerpts from the book to examine and avoid Saul's mistakes and find a successful path through leadership. READ AN EXCERPT |
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