harasshole [həˈras hōl]: (noun) used pejoratively to refer to a contemptible person who creates an unpleasant or hostile environment most often in the workplace with repeated occurrences of uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct
"From the time I was little, I wanted that BIG job..."
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Since she was little, Lisa Bowman dreamed of having that big job. Her 20-year career including senior roles at UPS led her to her dream job, Chief Marketing Officer at “America’s Favorite Charity”, United Way. She was living her dream, using her skills to help others and being recognized for it. Then, with the hire of a single employee, everything changed.
Harasshole is Lisa Bowman’s narrative of her journey from award-winning Chief Marketing Officer at “America’s Favorite Charity”, United Way, to her allegations of harassment and retaliation that eventually resulted in her termination. |
The Statement
"I am a big believer that experiences mean nothing if you don’t learn from them. When this experience chose me, it offered me the opportunity to learn and educate others on the hard reality: if you don’t speak up for yourself, sadly, nobody will do it for you.
In my book, I recount my experience at United Way and I want you to know from the very beginning of this story, that should you find yourself in this position, there is obligation and action on both sides, either as an employee or an employer—this should never be forgotten.
Amidst recurring reports of workplace harassment, along with the by now predictable failures of many companies to respond appropriately, it’s understandable that employees end up feeling helpless and more likely to give up rather than stand up and fight, concluding that self-protection and silence in an effort to preserve their careers are the smartest courses of action.
I believe the answer to toxic leadership and the environment of harassment that continues to plague the workplace is to fight back, not give up. Such behavior must not be normalized through silent acceptance. Courageously speaking up about injustice or harm may not always help, and it certainly creates personal risks to those who do it.
One thing is certain: remaining silent in the face of injustice will not create a better and more equitable world devoid of this behavior."
In my book, I recount my experience at United Way and I want you to know from the very beginning of this story, that should you find yourself in this position, there is obligation and action on both sides, either as an employee or an employer—this should never be forgotten.
Amidst recurring reports of workplace harassment, along with the by now predictable failures of many companies to respond appropriately, it’s understandable that employees end up feeling helpless and more likely to give up rather than stand up and fight, concluding that self-protection and silence in an effort to preserve their careers are the smartest courses of action.
I believe the answer to toxic leadership and the environment of harassment that continues to plague the workplace is to fight back, not give up. Such behavior must not be normalized through silent acceptance. Courageously speaking up about injustice or harm may not always help, and it certainly creates personal risks to those who do it.
One thing is certain: remaining silent in the face of injustice will not create a better and more equitable world devoid of this behavior."
Lisa Bowman
Author of Harasshole, Speaker and Activist
Author of Harasshole, Speaker and Activist