I have a new member on my team who is transgender and identifies as they/them, and I have heard that this person has complained about me because I occasionally say to the team, “Hey guys, how are you?” or “You guys are great.”
It’s just a casual expression that I’ve used for decades. Should I address it with this person, the entire team or ignore it and try to change?
Generational gaps in the workplace have widened, while social norms have changed in an accelerated fashion, leading to many such issues in the workplace.
I think most people would recognize that the expression — even if dated — was not meant in a disrespectful way.
I wouldn’t make this a big issue but I would address it with the individual in private.
Without getting defensive, warmly and supportively say that you are aware that this friendly, casual expression comes from decades of habit, and you understand that this person took offense.
Explain that you meant none and that you will work on breaking the habit going forward but, if you forget, to give you some grace.
We are all learning and growing, and the employee should graciously accept this conversation.
Then everyone should move on.
I recently graduated and have been offered a role through a company’s diversity training program. I’m black and I don’t want my race to be the reason why I’m hired. My family thinks I’m crazy for considering turning down the job. What do you think?
I agree with your family.
You want to be evaluated and succeed based on merit, not on factors that don’t have anything to do with your ability to be successful, but you have to remember, though, that most people are happy to use whatever advantage, connection or “in” that they have to get a job.
So if there’s a company and a job that you want, and they are willing to hire you through a program designed to increase representation in their company, you should take it and not think twice.
As you advance in your career, no one is going to remember or care about how you got your start, only how you perform.
So take it, crush it and show them who you are.
Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Wed. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande