The workplace is not your shed on a Friday night.

The workplace is not your shed on a Friday night.

It’s not a free-for-all. It’s not the place to let rip with whatever flies out of your mouth after a few beers.

And it’s definitely not where you get to brush off disrespectful comments with “I was only joking.”

One of the most common excuses I hear from leaders when they’re challenged about poor behaviour is:

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘪𝘵.”
“𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦.”

But here’s the truth: intent doesn’t cancel impact. And the standard you walk past is the standard you accept.

Whether you like it or not, there are now laws around psychological safety, hate speech and discrimination. It’s not optional. It doesn’t matter whether you agree with it – it’s the law.

If you’re leading a team, you’re setting the tone. You don’t have to be the fun police – but you do have to draw the line when the “banter” turns into bullsh*t.

This is not about being precious – it’s about professionalism, respect and safety. Even in blue-collar industries.

Responsibility sits at every level:

• Individuals must be accountable for what they say.

• Leaders must call it out when lines are crossed and hold people to account.

• And companies must back their leaders to act – not undermine them when they do.

Check out this week’s Ask Leah video for more.


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Is the toughest part of your job the ‘people bit’?

I can help.

Hi, I’m Leah Mether. I’m a communication and soft skills specialist, obsessed with making the people part of leadership and work life easier.

I teach leaders and teams how to communicate effectively under pressure, have difficult conversations, better manage themselves, and build a culture that gets the results they need.

With my direct, straight-shooting style I can help you:

communicate effectively
have difficult conversations
manage yourself at times of stress
increase emotional intelligence
lead with warmth
create a culture of trust and psychological safety
improve personal effectiveness

For business inquiries: [email protected]

Website: https://www.leahmether.com.au/

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