Men Talking to Men

A question for the men out there:

You’re at a networking event, chatting with a couple of other - male - business owners. The conversation is light and friendly, then one of your acquaintances cracks a sexist joke. It’s only ‘mildly’ sexist - but enough to make you feel uncomfortable …

Do you say anything? If so - what, when and how?

If not - why not?

I’ve been in that exact situation - and I stayed quiet. I was worried about saying the wrong thing - creating a scene, and making the other person defensive or angry. I didn’t have a way to handle it tactfully.

Which makes me part of the problem.

This isn’t about guilt or shame. Rather, it’s about understanding the role I can play in shifting these conversations. I can learn tools and techniques to tackle sexism and misogyny in the workplace - without being inflammatory, confrontational, or accused of being ‘woke’.

There’s work to be done.

Gents - it’s time for us to step up.

PS If you recognise this responsibility, I run a workshop called ‘Men Talking to Men’ with the brilliant Bec Davison. Contact me for details.