Work Etiquette Question

[salsabike]

I don't think the use is great in any professional situation, but I do think that a rank differential multiplies the condescension factor quite a bit and adds an unpleasant sort of power "squish". "Power squish" cannot be found in any HR guidelines that I know of, since I just made it up this minute.

[NbyNW]

Whether and how to raise this issue with the person using the insenstive language could be a tough judgment call. It depends on the culture of your company, and whether or not this person has power within that culture. And how much power the person or people raising the issue have.

Whether or not you get a positive outcome may have very little to do with whether you are right or not.

Tread carefully, and good luck!

[NbyNW]

I don't think the use is great in any professional situation, but I do think that a rank differential multiplies the condescension factor quite a bit and adds an unpleasant sort of power "squish". "Power squish" cannot be found in any HR guidelines that I know of, since I just made it up this minute.

Such an appropriate term, though!

[xeney]

Ugh. When I first passed the bar I worked as a legal research assistant for a defense attorney in the foothills. It was not a terrible job, but I was in his office one day when he was on the phone with someone at the district attorney's office, and he said to the person, "I'll have my girl come pick it up." Meaning me.

When he got off the phone I raised my eyebrows and said, "Would you like me to pick up your dry cleaning while I'm out?" If he'd had an ounce of shame he'd have gotten the point, but he was so dumb that he just went, "Huh? What? Of course not, my wife takes care of that."

(The happy ending is that I later wound up supervising him on a couple of cases. I did not refer to him as "my boy.")

[SadieKate]

"Power squish" cannot be found in any HR guidelines that I know of, since I just made it up this minute.

It's perfect!

I just sent an email to her director about lack of cooperation, respect, blah-blah-blah. I have not said anything about this term, but am hoping to slip it into a personal conversation with him. This isn't her only power squishing behavior. I'm tired of this crap.

[Miranda]

I voted the term "gal" doesn't bother me. Been called worse. A word doesn't define me, or our relationship. It's how you treat me. Actions speak louder than words...

It sound like it's way more that just the term "gal" that's the problem. Even if this person didn't use the term "gal", it's the other behaviors that are really frustrating.

[sundial]

I think it's unprofessional. Hope your client discontinues the usage.