Employers must exercise caution with positional power dynamics in the workplace, especially when it comes to managers in higher-level positions asking personal questions of their subordinates.
That caution was recently highlighted by Mike Babcock’s resignation as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets following an incident where he allegedly asked players to display photos from their phones, sparking privacy concerns.
It’s an important reminder for managers to be mindful of the unintended consequences of these types of interactions and to foster a workplace environment that prioritizes professionalism and respect.