I agree with Karen Firestone’s take on the situation more than I do Wendi S. Lazar’s because of her recommendation that Elizabeth leave the company she is at (or at least strongly pursue alternatives). Both experts identified the male-centered company culture that I did while reading the account of the situation. They recognized that it made for a toxic workplace and that Elizabeth should consider leaving. However, I agree that it seems like Elizabeth’s boss views her more negatively after Brad’s treatment of her and that in such a small company it may not be possible to escape gossip; as such, I think it may be best for her to seek employment elsewhere. I think she could transfer offices or find a new position and either would effectively handle her problem.
With that being said, it is upsetting that she would feel the need to leave because of the lack of support shown by her workplace. If I were a manager and found out about the situation, I would first talk to Elizabeth to see what she was thinking and what ways she would like support, such as restructuring tasks to not run into the “happy couple” or helping create standards of professionalism in the workplace for both Brad and Elizabeth to follow instead of the burden falling on Elizabeth.
