I think it is fair to say that there is a degree of confusion associated with the #metoo movement. While the egregious behavior of people like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey is clear and definitive, what is less clear is where are all of the lines are inside a society that is moving toward a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
It is customary for many people, especially Latinos, to greet their family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances with a hug and sometimes a kiss on the cheek. This custom is even more accepted in parts of Europe and Latin America. However, in a recent conversation I had with an attorney who specializes in harassment in the workplace, it was conveyed to me that there are definite risks associated with this custom in a professional environment. If someone does not feel comfortable being greeted in such a manner, it could create liability for individuals and possibly employers who don’t set clear policies to address this. I think this is unfortunate. One of the things that makes NAHREP special is the warmth newcomers feel when they first attend an event. But as our society evolves, it is necessary for us to evolve as well.
When I was a teen, my parents taught me how to greet people, especially adults, correctly. One of the things I remember them saying was that it was appropriate to extend my hand first to offer to shake another man’s hand. On the other hand, when greeting a woman, I should follow her lead and stand there with my hands to my side until she extends her hand, or chooses to greet me in another way. I am not sure that I have always adhered to this advice, but it always stuck with me. At the risk of sounding a little sexist, I think this may be a good policy for men when greeting a woman in a professional environment – especially when encountering a woman who you don’t know well. Wait for her to initiate contact, and follow her lead from there. Make sure and err on the side of caution and consideration.
By definition, unintended consequences are the results of an action different from what was expected or planned. They are often referenced in relation to changes in policies. I have heard the term used for years, primarily related to government policies. Still, I didn’t realize until recently that much has been written on the subject, and most experts believe that there are three categories of unintended consequences:
This week's big news in real estate was the settlement of the class action lawsuits directed against the National Association of Realtors (NAR)...Despite what you may have heard from the media, if the settlement is approved, this would be a modest victory for both realtors and homebuyers. The lawsuit's deeply misguided proponents, including Steve Brobeck from the Consumer Federation of America, have been calling for an outright ban on broker cooperation. In that regard, they didn't get what they wanted.
For years, large companies have been outsourcing to India and China, but the politics with China is unpredictable at best, and India has its limitations as well...However, Mexico and Latin America are just on the other side of our southern border, in the same time zone as the U.S., and with a talented and plentiful population of eager workers. There are also a number of companies that make the process of hiring a nearshore team practically turn-key.