Why I'm speaking up about Mark Halperin, and why I stayed silent so long

[IronLionZion]

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/26/opinions/mark-halperin-women-should-not-stay-silent-mcmanus/index.html

The first 10 years of my professional career were spent at CNN. Beginning as a production assistant, I worked my way up to senior producer for "Larry King Live." I had the most amazing opportunities to work incredible news stories, and even met my husband at CNN. I loved everything about TV news -- the excitement, the ability to be part of breaking a story, the adrenaline, and the camaraderie of the entire news team.

But my career at CNN -- and in journalism, for that matter -- almost didn't happen.

When I was a 21-year-old student, I attended a political event in Boston. Present were several candidates running for president. It was interesting to see political leaders speak in person for the first time, but it wasn't the speeches that intrigued me -- it was the cameras in the back of the room. The media asking questions, trying to break stories, making their news reports -- that was most exciting to me.

So I worked up the courage to go to the back of the room to speak with one of the journalists. That's when I met Mark Halperin, who was at that time working for ABC News. He gave me his card, told me to give him a call and said he would help me understand how to get into the business.

Fast forward several months later to when I graduated and asked for an informational meeting. I reached out to Mr. Halperin and he asked me to come see him. I was thrilled that someone from ABC News was willing to meet with me -- perhaps that was my way in the door. It was my first official meeting; I even had to buy a suit for the occasion.

I don't quite remember what we talked about, but I do remember him asking me to sit down next to him on the couch. I thought it was awkward to sit on the couch when I was perfectly comfortable sitting in the chair across from his desk. But I complied, and I also remember him sitting a little too close to me.

OK, this story wasn't as climactic as I hoped when I clicked on it. But it does shed some light on why someone would be reluctant to report something. And hold off on it.

We just had sexual harassment/ethics reporting training at work last week, which for some reason erupted into an argument on there should be a statute of limitations on reporting stuff that happened long ago and why didn't they report it sooner. So that brought up the case of Harvey Weinstein where many in his industry knew he was an evil bastard. Several people have reported him back in the day but they are not famous now because he ruined their careers. The headlines of stars reporting him now are famous because they got to have successful careers by not reporting it. Now he can't ruin them so they speak out.

It is a very difficult and unrealistic expectation to guilt trip someone for not being the first one to report and sacrifice their career or worse back when they were young and didn't know any better or had the news headlines and training and supportive culture that we have these days. Anyway, the purpose of our training was to encourage junior and new employees to not be afraid to report something, even anonymously, with no punitive retribution. And who they can report stuff to. Every workplace should have this type of training.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. You experience with

your Training Program most likely peeks many persons same experiences with similiar in house programs. Funny how all of a sudden things go off the rails,and it ends up being a shamming finger pointing session.

[IronLionZion]

3. It's a type of victim blaming

reporting misconduct should be gently encouraged. But people shouldn't be shamed publicly for waiting too long because then more would just continue their silence. It's a way to shut them up.

[Wellstone ruled]

5. Seen it first hand on with three Employers.

On one occasion,the person doing the so called Mandatory Attended Training Session,was one of the Branch's offenders. But,in a Corporate world,you kiss the right ass and you are guaranteed a promotion or mega bonus.

Management by Dissension,Ugly.

[IronLionZion]

4. Another example from my work that has nothing to do with misconduct

A young employee wants to be taken off of a project. Not due to any issues, but because she just doesn't like it. She's worried that it's gone on too long and she hasn't contributed anything and doesn't want to be rude by asking to have her name taken off it. So I coached her on what to write in an email to politely thank them for the opportunity and be clear that she wants off the project so she can focus on other projects in line with her career goals.

It may seam like a simple thing. But many people have fear of upsetting someone or developing a bad reputation or whatever and could use mentoring support to communicate their concerns to leadership.

[Corvo Bianco]

6. You're right about that. I have no confidence in bringing up valid issues with my employer.

All of them work related.

[IronLionZion]

7. Some of these crusty old dinosaurs need to retire

in the meantime it doesn't hurt to apply to other jobs if the whole company is a problem