Did I Just Cross the Line and Harass a Colleague?

A junior associate at a consulting firm is startled to realize that she may have accidentally sexually harassed a colleague during a passing conversation. She wonders if she was in the wrong and is left worried that her reputation and relationship with the person may be damaged. The case explores what to do when a workplace interaction goes awry, from both the victim and perpetrator perspective. The theoretical basis of the discussion relies on the importance of sense-making, perspective taking, interactional framing, and identity threat. Users of the case will learn techniques to reduce the likelihood of offending others, and how to respond effectively if offence is indeed taken.