2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Roman overhears an aide make unflattering, sexist remarks about Gus on the plane to London and fires him (after an intense confrontation). Did he overreact, do the right thing or a bit of both?

It was the right thing but he did overreact a little. Any disciplinary action needs to be in private not a public setting .

The job, especially a political position, isn't the place to talk about any employee like that.

With everything that has come out regarding sexual harassment over the last couple of years and in light of the #metoo movement, the reaction sets the precedent and an example that this behavior won't be tolerated in this administration. What I find interesting is that this book was published in 2017 before this issue came so directly into to public eye - making it a bit ahead of its time.

Roman did the right thing by firing him and I don’t take issue with him doing this publicly. This fool was on Air Force One making these comments, publicly, about the #2 person in the press office. Given that I was a government relations consultant, I found it outrageous. It’s a gossipy environment but people won’t trust you if you malign your own colleagues. I did think Roman was heavy handed in his manner, which put him on that guy’s level.

Lynn, Ronan Farrow released his expose on Weinstein in October 2017 so this story was a bit ahead of the force that propelled the #MeToo movement into the stratosphere. These authors probably had their own experiences in the publishing arena.

Jonetta, I guess I had too many bosses who liked to ream people out in front of staff. It always made me crazy. I guess, since they are on Air Force One, there aren't a lot of choices.

Oh, I agree the manner in which Roman handled him was deplorable. I worked for a screamer who was just horrible and no one deserves to be demeaned. I was only speaking to the egregiousness of what the guy said making him eligible to be fired on the spot. Roman could have just said he needed to turn around when they land and go back home. This was a firing for cause.

I agree

I think Roman should have pulled him aside, then fired him. There was no reason to do it so publicly. I think, at this point, Roman was struggling with his feelings for Gus and just snapped when this guy was so disrespectful.

Roman showed he still had deep feelings for Gus. When he heard her being trashed, he saw red and the guy was lucky he only got fired and not physically dismantled. Sure, it wasn't PC to publically fire him like that, but it sent a really, really strong message that talk like that would not be tolerated.

Lynn, I thought this was ahead of its' time also. I thought something else was too, but I can't remember exactly what. My brain was melting while reading this book.

Under these circumstances, Roman was completely justified in firing him. Also, given that this is a sexual harassment issue, I also have no problem with him doing it publically. A clear zero-tolerance message should be made in the open so everyone gets the message. Keeping it private allows the harasser to maintain their position and move on. It is tacit to agreeing with it.

My feelings exactly.