Russel Fernandes
Jul 21, 2017 · 1 min read

I think you just found something to complain about. Very often what comes back to you is a reflection of how you present yourself to others. That’s right — it’s you, and quite likely not just in the workplace. In different situations, having been in IT myself, I’m engaged as a mentor, on a more personal level as a fatherly person, at other times as as a hard-nosed peer. These are also roles I play, not always carefully crafted and intentional. But unlike you, I have no complaints. I don’t see this as demeaning or ageist — which is kind of what I’m getting from this essay of yours. When a female colleague or sub-ordinate comments about my age or lack of hair, I don’t confront them or drag them to HR. Should I be offended, worse, take them to task for not considering me a potential mate? They don’t expect me to clean up after them and I’ve never led to believe I would. I examine their intentions and most often they are well meaning and enjoy working with me - this is just how some choose to express it. When a vendor did the same though I was quick to threaten them. I mentor my team, some come to me for non-work related issues and I offer them whatever counseling I can within the constraints of my role. Again, I think you just found something to complain about.

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