Okay, he sent porn. But he’s sorry. Can I hire him?

Dear Aunty,

Long time reader, first time responding. I have just heard that someone who I have had an eye on for a long time has been let go. I did some digging around and found out that he was sacked for sending a pornographic photo to another work colleague.

I rang him up and asked him about it and he said it was a mistake and he shouldn’t have done it but it was an “in joke” with the other bloke, it didn’t harm anyone and it wasn’t “hard core” porn.

This guy is senior in our industry and has a skill set we could really do with and has great networks. However a number of people know why he was let go and we have a very strict policy about porn so I don’t want to look like a hypocrite. I also think I can get him at a very good price and think he could do with a second chance.

What do you think?

LT

Dear LT,

Well, go ahead and hire him if you run a porn site. But you don’t. I checked out your email address and you are in the B2B space. Which made me sit back in my chair and wonder about your sanity. Are you nuts? Unless you live under a rock this guy would know you don’t look at porn or send porn at work. And he has ignored it.

Secondly, consider his tone: it’s not “hard core”, it was an “in joke”, it “didn’t harm anyone” and it “wasn’t really porn”. This bloke isn’t sorry. In his mind, his mistake was getting caught.

In fact, you are describing exactly the kind of bloke that you don’t want working in your business. They run small little dirty picture, smutty joke clubs that exclude women and anyone else that doesn’t fit their macho mould. And they usually come with other unpleasant traits.

And LT, I have a problem with you. Forget about perception. What you want to be building is a culture based on values. And one core value is to provide a workplace for all staff where they are not exposed to smutty jokes, pictures or innuendos by immature men or women.

As for a second chance? That’s nice of you. But you are striving to be the best you can. Let a competitor give him a second chance.

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!