[rtpg]

Any VC whose reaction to this is "oh I guess I should avoid taking meetings with women because I just can't know what goof will cause me to get sued" is probably already making some women uncomfortable.

If you cannot understand how _stupidly easy_ it is to have a completely non-sexual, non-harassing conversation with a member of the opposite sex, you most definitely should read up on some stuff. I mean this in the most non-snarky way possible.

Wouldn't it be nice if half the population weren't completely turned off by the idea of talking to anyone in tech?

[noir_lord]

Sales at my company is female dominated, I'm in building next door so I run into them all the time, I just treat them as any other member of staff, politely but otherwise as an amorphous blob.

I don't socialise with work mates outside of work events either, lines get crossed when you do in a alcohol orientated culture like mine.

It's worked fine for me for 19 years employed.

Had one female former colleague assume I was gay because I never hit on her (and she was attractive).

Nope, just not interested in bollocking up a good work environment, it was interesting to watch the dynamic though.

My simple rules for work.

Treat everyone equally, small stuff matters, I went out for coffee and went and asked the cleaner if he wanted one, he looked surprised.

Don't gossip ever, just don't. Leave the conversation if someone else starts.

Be on time, meet deadlines, let boss know as soon as you know you won't.

Be professional, you might know a customer for years but they are still Mr Smith until they say 'call me Bob'.

When a boss makes what you think is a poor decision (business reasons, moral reasons etc) get it in writing.

Always send a recap email after meetings, misunderstandings cost less the earlier you catch them (much like bugs).

[oxryly1]

Great list. Its interesting how good ideas for how to conduct yourself in a business environment will naturally exclude creepy and/or harassing behavior AND will also leave far less room and opportunity for false accusations to take root.

Its not foolproof by any stretch, but it's excellent risk management on multiple fronts.

[noir_lord]

I've been working since I was 18 and in 19 years I've seen a lot, experience is learning from your own mistakes, wisdom is learning from other peoples.

It's really not that difficult to maintain a professional attitude, it's a skill like any other it's just the modern workplace isn't always conducive to it, frankly I'd prefer a more formal workplace than informal all things been equal.

[xor1]

I agree with these 100%, and I've followed similar rules throughout my career so far (and will continue to do so).

[jacquesm]

Those are excellent rules. In fact they should be printed on page #1 of employee handbooks.

[TeMPOraL]

The risk is that some go-getter will use a harassment thread as leverage over you. No matter how saintly are you, in the current culture nobody is going to believe you if you're a man accused of harassment - so why open yourself up for the possibility?