Yesterday I blogged endlessly about Richard Keys and Andy Gray’s sexist foot-in-mouth fiasco regarding a female referee at a football match, and I think I made myself pretty clear: This was not banter. 

Late on yesterday Sky released footage of another pre-match gaffe, where reporter Andy Burton started a conversation with Mr Gray about the physical attractiveness (or not!) of the woman official in question.

 

Andy Gray admitted to his colleague (brace yourselves…): “Nah, I wouldn’t, I definitely wouldn’t”, thus subjecting Ms Massey to further personal comments.

Now, I’m not so precious about men or women discussing the fanciability of someone, but at his age it does come over a bit sleazy? 

But my main point is “why did Sky release this footage” I hope it is not because they intend sacking him and Richard Keys (and what about the reporter?)

 

It seems most probable that these men are accustomed to airing such views with impunity every day with other colleagues at work.

Therefore, Sky itself holds vicarious liability for allowing banter and discriminatory comments to be freely expressed.

 

While people do have individual blame for their actions, in work it is the employers who are also held to account unless they can show they have ensured they have “educated” their staff to ensure there is no illegal discrimination across the board.

 

 

Effective Leadership Development and Cultural Competence ensure that companies like Sky have developing leadership that is creating an environment of an employer of choice, where there isn’t malicious obedience and collusion.

 

Is it only Sky where we might hear banter that is offensive? I don’t think so…

Karen

 

Muika Leadership