Alankar KarpeProject and program management, Speaker and mentor | WiproBangalore, India
As project managers & change makers, our teams might not know what to do if they see one of their co-workers harassing another, either mentally, sexually or physically. What do we do in such situations and how to develop your team to overcome such instances? Saving Changes...
Mohamed HassanProject Management Consultant, Author and Speaker| LIFELONGKuwait, Kuwait
Thanks, Alankar for your interesting and important question, Actually many organizations don't have a documented procedures for such actions but they depend on the norms and culture and there is a big difference between communities regarding the norms.
That is why I recommend that organizations should have a Code of Ethics and train the staff on the meaning and the importance of it.
The project manager has to give this awareness as a part of ground rules from the beginning and keep everyone remember this during the project Saving Changes...
This is an extremely sensitive situation in projects where thousands of people are working. If left unattended, it would lead to a kind of internal grouping, restlessness among employees, division of groups in the name of sensitive parameters and even lead to mass chaos.
The project team/leader should implement a system in such projects that the lowest level of the performing group (may be one charge-hand & his team of fifteen - for instance) need to conduct start-up talks on daily basis in which all the matters of interest ( be it job-specific , safety /quality / productivity/ hygiene related or even the group dynamics) need to be openly discussed for a limited period of 10~15 minutes. It would sure to yield a few constructive decisions. The issues that can be resolved then and there can be attended by the group leader, whereas the points that demand management interventions need to be brought to the notice of the Project manager/team.
If the case is of common interest, the root cause, outcome and the solution need to be presented among all the team members, and if necessary, to be dessiminiated in the mass meetings. Saving Changes...
Alankar KarpeProject and program management, Speaker and mentor | WiproBangalore, India
Thank you for your reply Dileep! Saving Changes...
In every organization there should be an anti-corruption and ethics program of which part of it should be dealing with this kind of behaviour.
Yes that would be ideal Rami. Saving Changes...
Amany NuseibehSpeaker, Global Leader | Optimal ConsultingSydney, Nsw, Australia
Thank you Alankar for this interesting question. In Australia, policies should be in place to protect employees bullying and harassment. The Fair Work Commission website (https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entit...and-harassment) states (a selected extract)
"What to do if you think bullying or harassment has happened
For employees:
If you think bullying or harassment is happening at your work, talk to:
- a supervisor or manager
- a workplace health and safety representative
- the human resources department
- a union (visit the Unions and employer associations page to find registered unions in your industry).
Having said that, the policies in place and the expectations need to be set from day 1. The context, environment, training, openness and level of maturity of the people one is dealing with are critical in determining the approach to communication and the next steps. While such behaviours are not accepted, having a frank 1-1 conversation is critical to bringing this to the person's attention, ensuring they understand the expectations and they commit to a safe and healthy environment. If the behaviours continue, formal processes and procedures should be followed. Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
In my opinion, as a project manager we should set the tone for the teams. So, even when a team member is getting under your skin, remember to stay calm and professional at all times.
I would consult this issue with the senior manager or HR representative, and ask to be informed about the actions that should be taken. Saving Changes...
Michael DelaneyPartner| Delaney Management LLCWest Chester, Pa, United States
I agree with the need to have both the corporate guidelines well understood by the team as well as having a team culture based on respect and open communication. A team needs to build a safe and comfortable work environment and the guidelines can be used to reinforce this. Saving Changes...
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