From Indifference to Respect: Keeping It Professional in Indian Workplaces.....

 #647 (100 posts from this would be 747-Boeing!!)....

A long one... but relevant!!

Back in 1983, when I was a 20-year-old college kid, I watched North Sea Hijack and got hooked on Roger Moore’s character, Ffolkes. He was this quirky, tough guy who loathed women and kept his distance, focusing on his mission. I thought, “That’s me!” Not because I feared women, mind you—I was just indifferent. I didn’t care much for anyone, man or woman. Being a high-D personality—driven, direct, and yeah, a bit arrogant—I kept people at arm’s length. If someone rubbed me wrong, my cuss words flowed freely, no matter their gender. I was like Trump in that way—an equal opportunity abuser! It worked for me back then; nobody messed with me, and life was cool. (Hahhahah!! Parents told their daughters to stay away from me / disappear, while they loved my brother- Such a terror I was even in my teens..... ehhehehehehehhehehhehehehehheheh!).

Fast forward to today, and I’m reflecting on a shocking incident at work. A manager I admired—stellar performer, always hitting targets—was sacked. Why? Sexual harassment. It blew my mind. This guy wasn’t a creep; he was a star. But he developed feelings for a female colleague, crossed workplace norms, and when she didn’t reciprocate, she escalated it. His career? Gone. It got me thinking: how do smart people mess up like this? And in Indian workplaces, especially manufacturing where I’ve spent years, why is it so tricky to keep things professional? Here’s my take, plus tips for staying respectful and safe, whether you’re a brash high-D like me or just trying to do your job.

Why Do Good People Slip?

This manager’s fall wasn’t about being “bad”—it was about missteps. In India, our workplaces are a unique mix of tradition and new-age rules, and that can trip folks up. Here’s why:

• Family-Like Vibes: Indian offices feel like extended families. We share samosas, plan Diwali parties, and banter over chai. But this cosiness can blur lines. The manager might’ve mistaken his colleague’s politeness—say, a friendly nod—for interest. Big mistake. Professional doesn’t mean personal. (Kannadasan aptly wrote in song, 40 years back- சிரிக்கின்ற பெண்களை பார்க்கின்ற கண்ணுக்கு அழைப்பது போல் ஒரு பித்த துடிப்பு -A woman who smiles, makes you feel she is inviting you- beware, "bile it is" ! Boy How much I learned from his 100s of songs). 
• Boss Power: As a manager, he had clout. A casual comment or WhatsApp message from a senior can feel heavy to a junior. If she felt cornered, saying no wasn’t easy. In India, where we respect authority, those in charge need to be doubly careful.
• Cultural Mix-Up: Bollywood’s taught us that persistence wins hearts—think SRK chasing his heroine. Some guys think that’s okay at work. The manager might’ve thought he was being suave, but if it’s unwelcome, it’s trouble. Intent doesn’t erase impact.
• No Clue on Rules: Many Indian companies, especially in manufacturing, skimp on training. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (POSH, 2013) says unwanted advances—comments, texts, even stares—are harassment. But not everyone gets it, and that’s where things go south.

In this case, the manager let feelings take over. Maybe he thought he saw “signals.” She didn’t feel the same, and when he pushed, she reported it. Companies today, under POSH and public scrutiny, act fast. One wrong move, and years of hard work vanish.

Manufacturing: Where It Gets Trickier

I’ve spent years in manufacturing—factories churning out auto components, textiles, you name it. It’s a man’s world, mostly. Women make up maybe 10-15% of the workforce, often in roles like quality testing or line supervision. This setup brings challenges:

• Spotlight Effect: When women are rare, they stand out. A new female technician on the shop floor might get extra glances—not because she’s doing anything, but because she’s different in a sea of men. Some guys, not used to mixed teams, might misread her teamwork as something else.
• Small-Town Roots: Many workers, especially in Indian factories, come from traditional backgrounds—small towns or villages where men and women don’t mix much outside family. Suddenly, they’re working with a female engineer. It’s new, and without guidance, they might not know how to keep it strictly work.
• Macho Culture: Factories have a “bhai” vibe—guys joking, smoking beedis during breaks, bonding over cricket. When women join, some men don’t know how to act. A joke that’s fine among mates might feel off to her. I’ve seen it in canteens or shift handovers—casual remarks crossing lines.
• Focus Trap: Early in my career, I thought women were a “distraction” in such setups. Took me years to realise it’s not them—it’s us. If a guy’s thinking about her smile instead of the lathe machine’s output, that’s his problem, not hers.

These dynamics make manufacturing a hotspot for slip-ups. Women are there to do their jobs—checking tolerances, running production lines. Anything less than professional respect risks drama, or worse, a POSH complaint.

My Journey: From Indifference to Balance:- Looking back, my North Sea Hijack mindset kept me out of trouble, but it wasn’t perfect. Being indifferent and brash worked in college and early jobs—I scared people off, and my high-D arrogance set boundaries. Man or woman, if you annoyed me, you got an earful, no filter! But as I grew (okay, it took 15 years-2000!), I saw there’s a better way. You don’t need to avoid women or cuss everyone out—you just need respect and focus.

That manager’s story hit me because it could happen to anyone who’s not careful. Even a high-D like me, who doesn’t care about gender, can misstep if I’m not clued in. Workplaces today, especially in India, demand more than indifference—they demand professionalism.

How to Stay Professional and Safe

So, how do we keep our careers intact and workplaces fair, especially in manufacturing? Here’s what I’ve learned, tailored for Indian factories and beyond:

1. Work Is King
   On the shop floor, stick to the job—machine uptime, defect rates, shift targets. Chatting with a female colleague? Keep it about work: “Did the new drill bits arrive?” not “You seem tired today.” It’s straightforward and avoids confusion.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
   • No Personal Talk: Skip comments on looks, family, or life unless she starts it—and even then, keep it short and neutral.
   • Smart Communication: Use work emails or group chats for tasks. Avoid texting her at 10 PM unless it’s a production emergency.
   • Read Signals: If she’s formal or avoids small talk, don’t push to be “pally.” Respect her space.
3. Know POSH Basics
   POSH laws apply to every factory with 10+ employees. Harassment isn’t just physical—it’s unwanted jokes, messages, or attention that makes someone uneasy. If your company doesn’t train, ask HR or check online. Knowing this keeps you safe.
4. Build Work-Only Bonds
   You don’t need to shun women colleagues—treat them like male teammates. Discuss the new SOPs, brainstorm downtime fixes, but don’t dig into personal stuff. In my factory, the best teams work like this—men and women collaborating, no drama.
5. Tame Your Inner High-D
   • Think Twice: About to say something cheeky? Ask, “Is this needed? Could it sound wrong?” If unsure, zip it.
   • Feelings Off-Limits: Crushes happen, but work’s not for romance. Vent to a buddy outside, not her.
   • Ask for Input: Not sure if you’re coming off right? Check with a trusted senior or HR, no names needed.
6. Cover Yourself
   • Keep Records: If you’re training or working closely with a woman, save emails or notes to show it’s legit.
   • Stay Visible: Have talks near the assembly line or in open offices, not empty cabins.
   • Clear Misreads: If she seems to take your work vibe as interest, reset gently: “Let’s stick to the schedule.”
7. Change the Vibe
   In manufacturing, culture starts at the top. If you’re a foreman or shift lead, model respect. Shut down crude jokes in the break room. Praise teamwork, not “hero” antics. It sets the tone for younger guys.

An Inoculation for Respect

I like thinking of professionalism as an inoculation—a habit that protects you. Here’s how to build it:

• See Skills, Not Gender: Focus on her work—her knack for spotting defects, not her vibe. Practice this till it’s automatic.
• Learn from Falls: When you hear about a case like this manager’s, don’t gossip—analyse what he missed and how you’d dodge it.
• Stay Sharp: Norms change. What flew in 1990s factories doesn’t in 2025. Ask HR or read up.
• Copy the Best: Watch how top supervisors handle mixed teams—mimic their clarity.
• Vent Elsewhere: Stress or feelings bubbling up? Talk to family or mates, not colleagues. Keeps work clean.

The Indian Way: Respect Wins

In India, we’re juggling old-school values with modern workplaces. Women are rocking it—running lines at Mahindra, designing chips at Intel India. That’s our future. My younger self, inspired by Ffolkes, thought indifference was enough. But today, I know it’s about respect—treating everyone as equals, no more, no less.

That manager wasn’t evil, just careless. One slip cost him everything. Let’s not repeat it. Next time you’re in the factory, look at your team—men, women, all grinding for the same goal. Keep it about the work, keep it respectful, and we’ll build workplaces we’re proud of.

So, what’s your move? How will you make your factory or office a place where respect rules?

Karthik

15/4/25.