#1 Posted by a friend of mine:
"Dear Sons, You have studied and worked hard for what you have accomplished. You are true professionals and I pray it will remain so. But you are going to be living in dangerous times and I am not talking about terrorism. The workplace poses the most danger to you and I must, I feel, advise you to be careful in your daily encounters with people, especially women. First, never be alone with a women in the work place. Always try to work around other people so they could be witnesses if you need them. Second, always be respectful to everyone, even if they don't deserve it. Use your acting and survival skills to get you through the day. Third, never trust anyone in the work place. They are co-workings, not organ donors. Trust begets betrayal and one who smiles and dips her head today, will hire a lawyer tomorrow and sue you. Protect and guard your reputation at all cost. Fourth, if off-color jokes are being exchanged in the work place, LEAVE THE ROOM. Even passive participation will be viewed by some scorned soul as active participation. Never add to a joke which contains political, sexual or religious content. Learn to just walk away. Fifth, keep your own counsel. Never, never, never express your opinion which is outside the scope of your employment or duties. It the work place and not a playground. Manage your thoughts and actions carefully and never emote until you get home. Sixth, even if your employer has a party, don't let your guard down. There are those who will seek out relaxed inhibitions and prey upon them and then use your responses and behavior against you in court. Seventh, NEVER touch a woman while at work, other than shaking her hand. Any sign of affection--no matter how slight--may be interpreted as an unwanted overture and one that creates a "hostile working" environment for her. It's a short distance from the work place to the courthouse. Eighth, be polite and civil, but NEVER inviting. Never go to lunch alone with a female co-worker. Others might read something into it that isn't there, or she might do the same. Protect yourself from unwarranted and unfounded interpretations of your behavior. Ninth, keep a daily, contemporaneous journal of all contacts you have with co-workers. It will be admissible evidence in court if, God forbid, you need it. And tenth, I am sorry I have to tell you this,but it's the times we live in or you will live in. Some people will use anything to get ahead and are more than willing to use your back as a stepping stone. You must protect yourself everyday. I wish I could leave you more, but as an attorney, I can only give you sound advice so you will never find yourself in a courtroom or before the Human Resources manager defending actions you are innocent of. I love you and will not be around to witness all your professional accomplishments. But if there's a legacy I can leave you, it is this. Be careful. Those who smile at you are displaying the same teeth they will bite you with. Love, Dad." |