You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

That Was Then; This Is What Happens Now

In a workshop for law firm administrators, a group at one of my tables debated how they would rein in a partner known for his “colorful” but inappropriate language. Employees who complained to the administrators did not feel that the partner was directing his behavior toward them individually; they were simply upset about having to constantly overhear such offensive language.

The legal administrators at this table agreed on the direct approach: tell the partner about the complaints, and ask him to clean up his act—pronto. Case solved.

Suddenly, one of the administrators at another table was on his feet. “Nice idea,” he said, “but what if he’s the rainmaker?”

The next thing we knew, all you-know-what broke loose!

The rainmaker is the term that many individuals and corporations use for the primary moneymaker—the person who brings in the most profitable clients. Rainmakers are revered, sometimes even coddled, because without them the company may fold!

Once the melee settled down, the administrators unanimously agreed that you still have to sit down with Mr. Rainmaker to explain that employees are complaining about his bad language, how it is affecting their work, and how this situation—if not curbed—might result in a costly and hostile environment lawsuit. Remember to follow your Ethical Compass: First, protect your job by doing the right thing in spite of this individual’s privileged status. Second, try to protect your company by averting a ...