The Globe and Mail
Power Points
Things to keep in mind if you want to be a good boss or colleague for a woman
Published April 8, 2021
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Guys, if you want to be a good boss or colleague for a woman, call her by her actual name. It’s not “dear,” or “sweetie” (or “young lady”). Nor is giving her a nickname – usually a diminutive – a substitute. A respectful stance extends to abiding by what she chooses to be called if she gets married. If you don’t like her choice, don’t try to improve it.
That’s Rule 1 in Kate Eberle Walker’s guide for men to be a better boss, and if it seems obvious to you please accept that the reason it’s on top of the PresenceLearning CEO’s list of nine rules is many men unknowingly create deep wounds by ignoring it. Even Barack Obama violated it when he commented about a reporter, “This sweetie never did get an answer to that question.” Perhaps you have slipped (or blundered) as well. Certainly Ms. Walker has lots of examples.