Ethical Time Warp

Overheard whispered in a meeting:

Late-Forties male manager to late-twenties female analyst: "You look sexy today."
Analyst: "Hah! Thanks!"
Manager, leaning in: "No. Really. You really do."
*Uncomfortable two second silence*
Analyst: "Um, er....must be the expensive shoes."

After that, more seconds passed in silence as she tried to focus on who was leading the meeting, and the manager continued to leer in what he probably thought was a suave way. She then found an excuse to cross the room to speak to another team member.

Disturbing. I didn't think people were that creepy anymore. It seemed like such a 60s-era cliche. All that was missing was the butt swat.

But here's the thing: Do I have some kind of ethical responsibility to do something after witnessing this horror show? She seemed to defuse it, but still. Maybe I should do something. I'm thinking a little quid pro quo.

Next Meeting:

Dean, sidling up to late-forties male manager: "Hey. You look sexy today."
Manager: "What?"
Dean: "You heard me, twinkle toes. You're dead sexy. Keep it up."

And then I would continue with the requisite leer. I haven't ever tried one, but I think I could do it.

Comments

[Brent]

That would be funny in any situation, but knowing you, Dean, that would be hillarious. So, one request, when you do it, make sure to get it on film somehow, because I'm dying to see it. You know, since I can't be a fly on the wall.

[Kate E. Taylor]

I like your idea for dealing with it, but in all seriousness, you should probably report it. That analyst may have handled the situation, but the manager might try it again, or he might be doing it to more than one person, and as a woman I can say that we aren't always as assertive as we should be.

[Brad]

Dean,
My wife and I had this same discussion. She told me that she would want someone to report it if she was the analyst.
If you decide to do what you are proposing, make sure I am present and within hearing distance.
Brad