Two weeks ago, my CEO made a very public comment that was construed by many to be offside, inappropriate, and homophobic. Some people felt it was indicative of the bro culture plaguing many tech companies. Some, no doubt, didn't even pay attention. The comment, via Twitter, opened up a dialogue amongst employees after a particularily courageous individual questioned the CEO's apology on Facebook at Work.
One thing was clear, there were a multitude of opinions and perspectives on the issue and related impacts. Some perspectives were baffling to me and some were enraging. Some were expected and some enhanced my viewpoint. It is reassuring to believe there are universal truths in the world and no doubt, there are a small number. But mostly, despite how passionate we feel about our own perspective, there are complicated, nuanced and grey truths.
As the dialogue, condemnation, and even absolution continued into a second week, International Women's Day was upon us. This is where I made my own mistake, missing an opportunity to demonstrate a presence for the organization, on a day that is of critical importance, and more so given recent events. This was brought to my attention by a group of women in the organization who wrote an open letter, protesting the organization's lack of presence on Women's Day and the impact that had on them and others in the organization.
As the person responsible for diversity and inclusion in the organization, I don't have an excuse. I missed a chance to create more inclusion in the organization. I can rationalize it in my own mind, but the explanation doesn't matter. What I appreciate is the groups's willingness to speak up, to state their perspective and to offer alternatives and solutions.