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By Anne Fisher
Q. This may seem like a strange problem, but I am in a situation that could cost me my job and my reputation. The facts: I am the (male) head of a department with seven talented women reporting to me. Since I am single, considered good-looking, drive a very expensive car, and own my own home, I guess I am seen as a good catch. However, I do not want to date anyone I work with, and our company has a policy that expressly forbids personal relationships between bosses and subordinates. The problem is, two of the women who work for me are competing to see who will be first to get me to break the policy. One comes on to me constantly, makes suggestive remarks, wears revealing clothing, and has been heard to say that she intends to "win." The other is more subtle, but she, too is making it very clear that she wants more than a business relationship. I have already carefully explained to both women that company policy rules out the possibility of our getting involved, but it has had no effect. I am seriously thinking of telling them I am gay so they'll leave me alone, but I'd rather not. A transfer out of my department for either woman is not an option. What can I do to put a stop to this? A. Can you imagine, if the situation were reversed and you were a woman with two male co-workers constantly coming on to you, what an outcry there would be? It would be a clear instance of sexual harassment--and so, my friend, is this. The stereotypical sexual-harassment complaint involves men chasing women, but the law nonetheless defines harassment as any unwelcome sexual advances or conduct in the workplace, regardless of who's zooming whom. (In other words, it can involve a female harassing a male, or a subordinate harassing a boss.) You need to go to someone in human resources and tell them what you've told me. Ask them to reiterate the no-dating policy, and maybe even hold a workshop on sexual harassment, which you should urge your amorous underlings to attend. Bringing HR into the picture does two things: 1) It encourages an official reminder of the policy, and incidentally puts these women on notice that someone besides you is aware of their little contest; and 2) It gets you on record as having reported that there is a problem, so if things ever get way out of hand, you won't be seen as the instigator. Apart from that, if you just ignore the suggestive behavior and do not respond at all (even negatively), sooner or later they'll give up and go find someone else to date. At least, I would hope they have that much sense. Good luck. Q. I work for a large corporation and, five years ago, when I was still an engineer, I completed an MBA at a university that specializes in serving working adults. Since getting the degree, I've often wondered whether the school's lack of prestige has hurt my career. Now I've been promoted to the director level, but I'm wondering if my ho-hum education will be a competitive disadvantage in moving through the executive ranks. Any thoughts on a strategy? A. Well, if you've gotten to the director level with your low-prestige MBA, it clearly isn't hurting you too much, is it? And yet, as you continue to move up, you may indeed find yourself up against Ivy Leaguers. One tactic is to go back to school at a prestigious institution and earn what's called an Executive MBA--a degree designed for people who've already attained executive status and want to sharpen up their skills in finance, strategy, statistics, marketing, and so on. It's a condensed, hands-on program that typically takes a year or less of evening and weekend classes. Harvard pioneered the concept of the Executive MBA program, and just about every top B-school has one. (For more information, go to (http://www.emba.org, or consult the school you're interested in.) These programs offer fantastic networking opportunities, incidentally, and they're an excellent way to get a big-name school on your resume without having to quit your day job. Q. After 12 years in corporate public relations at a big agency, I'm ready to go out on my own. I have several clients already lined up and, even in this crummy economy, I think I can make a go of it. The only thing holding me back is that I can't seem to find health insurance that doesn't cost the moon--and it's a deal-breaker, since I have three dependents with another on the way. Do you or your readers have any suggestions? A. Check out the National Association for the Self Employed (http://www.nase.org). Because of its vast membership, NASE reaps volume discounts on insurance that are similar to those that corporate employers enjoy, and you may find that signing up can get you benefits (including dental) that won't bust your budget. Readers? Any other ideas? The Mulindwas
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