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Original poster

Lazy/old fashioned racism that doesn't seem to offend anyone

16 replies

DaimYou · 11/10/2015 15:44

I have recently taken over managing a team. Many of the team members have known each other since they were school leavers together 25 years ago and the nicknames from that time have stuck.

One man of slightly oriental appearance is known as Tenko (after TV series). He doesn't seem to mind but it makes me uncomfortable to have a member of my team referred to by a derogatory nn because of his racial makeup

There are so many "issues" with this team that I'm going to have to pick my battles. Would you make this one of them?

OP posts:
slugseatlettuce · 11/10/2015 15:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HermioneWeasley · 11/10/2015 15:48

I would speak to him and see how he feels about it

Toughasoldboots · 11/10/2015 15:48

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Original poster
DaimYou · 11/10/2015 16:18

Well yes Tough, it's not going be an easy thing to deal with, at all

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 13/10/2015 04:42

Although well intentioned, are you at risk of "rescuing" people in a team who have interacted like this for decades. Agreed there comes a point where you have to draw a line in the sand and sy no more, but is this a battle you should fight alone or could you talk to a senior manager and express concerns to them?

Original poster
DaimYou · 13/10/2015 07:51

Possibly Daisychain, but at the same time I dont want to be manager of a team where this is acceptable

OP posts:
FinallyHere · 13/10/2015 07:58

Absolutely agree that this is horrendous, and also that you need to pick your battles and find a few quick wins to prove yourself to the team, so they can gain confidence in your ability to make things better for them. I know, i know but unless this is something that you have been brought in to repair, you may find other battles work better for you.

How are the team been performing generally, how are they regarded by whoever recruited you and/or the people who count (pwc) in the organisation? Make sure you get them (the pwc) on board with whatever changes you propose.

What have you been brought in to do? Make sure you are seen to be making steps in that direction, or you may find yourself isolated. All the best... Keep us posted.

LaContessaDiPlump · 13/10/2015 07:59

I'd just call him by his actual name and leave them to it. They will notice and ask you why, at which point you can explain. Maybe you can also point out that others of his racial background outside the team might be offended and that they should bear that in mind. I'd let them initiate the conversation though.

LineyReborn · 13/10/2015 08:09

These people are in their 40s, and are still using a schoolyard nickname at work, even where it's obvious to most people that it could cause offense.

Are they not very bright or something?

As for whether this is one of your battles, yes I would say that it should be. If you want the team performing professionally, stuff like this matters. And it obviously offends you, and you're the boss. You're not splitting hairs, you're the one who's right.

RightWhoWasIt · 13/10/2015 08:26

No, you should leave it, it could have been nipped in the bud 10 years ago, but not now. The team will laugh at you, the nickname will stick even more firmly, and that staff member will feel humiliated and annoyed that you thought he needed rescuing. I'm mixed race and I'd be furious in his situation, if you pulled everyone up for this. If he's fine with it, it's fine.

EBearhug · 13/10/2015 08:34

I think if someone has had a nickname for a quarter of a century, you're unlikely to be able to change it, however good the reason. I'd probably stick to calling him by his proper name, and maybe sending everyone on diversity /unconscious bias training.

If it was a new nickname, then you'd be right to stamp down on it.

IfNotNowThenWhenever · 13/10/2015 09:32

I really wouldn't wring my hands over it. If the team member is OK with the name, that's his business.
And, by the way when I lived outside of the UK "Oriental" was considered a slightly racist term. It's all about context.

gallicgirl · 13/10/2015 09:36

As long as you use his proper name, I'd perhaps leave it as long as you're sure he isn't bothered.

My sister once managed someone with the nn Shitter and understandably used the guy's proper name. Strangely he couldn't understand why!

TheWoodenSpoonOfMischief · 13/10/2015 09:43

Book them all onto a diversity training course. Lots out there.

MrsTrentReznor · 13/10/2015 10:06

I agree with you using his real name, but leave them to it.
They can make your job very difficult if you get their backs up over something they have been doing for quarter of a century.
I think this is a slow burn battle, gradually try and change the way this team operates together.
In my experience, going in guns blazing often results in the manager being forced out.
This team is part of the furniture, you might not be yet.

slugseatlettuce · 13/10/2015 13:03

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