Portsmouth Rotary Log for October 5, 2017
By Mark Lorusso
Photos by Tube Loch
Today, we ventured back in time. Back to when there were only four TV channels and everyone knew every show that was broadcast. Apparently, our speaker was an avid TV viewer in that distant era. He used his considerable TV knowledge to good effect.
But, as always, we began with our customary opening remarks, President Ben presiding. Ben’s first act was to ask for a moment of silence to remember the Las Vegas massacre victims. Following our Pledge of Allegiance, we invoked the Four-Way Test and John Rice gave the blessing.
Gracing us with his presence after a bit of an absence was Butch Ricci. That occasion merited special recognition. Welcome back, Butch!
Guests included Caitlin Bunce, Judy Loto, Cliff Lazenbe and Ravi Kynnedy. Announcements were short and sweet. We were told how the children’s book drive, spearheaded by Marie Brownwell, already has paid dividends. President Ben saw firsthand the books being put to good use at the Seacoast Community School. A child picked one up and read with her mother at the beginning of school. Keep sending in the books!
This was followed by a raucous reminder of the upcoming Poetry Hoot scheduled for our October 26 meeting. Past-President James gave us a preview with a series of poetic tweets. All had been derived from a national figure that shall remain anonymous. President Ben pleaded for relief!
President Ben next informed us about a recent Board of Directors meeting in which funds were approved for two matters. Some $1000 was awarded to Butch Ricci for the Pan Am Mass Challenge. An additional $4,687.20 will go to the Jeremy Alex fund to pay for 350 chess sets and 30 chess books.
Tom Decker told us about Police Chief Steve DuBois’ pink tie initiative. It all started with eight local law enforcement agencies. Apparently, Governor Sununu learned about the program and wants to outfit 1000 state troopers with pink ties. Tom is going to the State House to deliver the ties and has asked for our support.
Tony Delyani won the $63.00 50/50. There was no match.
Turning to the presentation, Aileen Duggan introduced our guest speaker, Attorney Daniel Schwartz. Schwartz talked about harassment in the workplace and sexual harassment in particular. With perfect comedic timing, he presented ten fact patterns that helped define improper conduct in the workplace. Each case blended historical TV characters with real-world situations. Needless to say, many were cringe worthy. Here is a sampling:
Situation 1 – Male supervisor says to female employee, “I like it when you wear that outfit.” Or, “I wish my arguments were as tight as your dress.” Dan then posed an alternative fact pattern where the two were at the same level, e.g., supervisors. Dan’s advice—never say either as either will surely lead to potentially significant damages if a lawsuit were filed. It’s always best to refrain from commenting on appearances unless, for example, to point out dress code violations. But if you must, Dan recommends something along the lines of “you look very professional.”
Situation 2 – Supervisor dates subordinate. Dan’s position—bad, don’t do it. Individuals with co-equal power, e.g., two supervisors dating—okay. Best practice—do not allow employees to even friend each other on Facebook, especially supervisors friending subordinates.
Situation 3 – Male employee applies for different job in company. Employee told did not get the job because it is a woman’s job. Dan’s position—hello big payday! This scenario is another classic case of harassment in the workplace.
Dan finished up his presentation with a series of best practices.
- Alcohol in the workplace – moderation versus temptation. Best practice—keep it out of the workplace as Dram Shop laws may apply.
- Cupid’s arrow in the workplace. If you ask someone out and that person says no, stop there.
- Compliments in the workplace—don’t include body parts.
- Joking in the workplace—if you know you aren’t good at it, don’t even try.
- “I was joking” is never a good excuse.
- Stop hitting “reply all.”
- Listen and pay attention when a worker files a complaint.
- A co-worker is a co-worker and should always be treated as such.
- Confidentiality is not the same as secrecy. Be very careful with confidential employee information.
- Avoid office romances.
But wait, Dan was not finished. He further suggested thinking the following thoughts before making statements in the workplace. First, how would the statement sound in Federal court? What would your mother say? You see that guy in the 12 or less item lane with 14 items? That is your jury. The person not intelligent enough to get off jury duty--that is your jury. Until next time . . . .
Respectfully submitted, Mark Lorusso
