The thing that bothers me the most about such workplace training is it sets up and defines the "us vs them" mentality and then makes it acceptable, expected. It generates the double standard I would love to see disappear. As a woman, I can compliment anyone I choose. I can flirt and joke, using adult concepts and no one will blink, no one will admit being uncomfortable(where applicable) and I might actually bring a smile to someone's face, or make a difficult day more bearable.
I have never seen a scenario in the multitude of videos and playlets detailing workplace harassment, where a woman tells another woman she is looking good today and then the big red X blanks out the picture. (There may very well be, but I have never seen it) I do nail art and have had women take my hand so they can examine a design. No one would think to report this or be expect me to be fearful of such an encounter, to be creeped out. But if a man did the same, suddenly the scene takes on a weirdly dark, reportable edge. Why? I have very long hair and women have touched it, complimented the look. If a man played with my hair the way some women have, he would be in the hot seat quicker than he could untangle his fingers. Why? I can choose my personal space very well by myself. I don't mind catcalls. I left the house looking good and while I dressed to please me, it also makes me feel good that you noticed, in spite of the unimaginative way you chose to share your admiration.
Yes, I think we should have training at work, on how to handle difficult situations. A "pump up your confidence quotient" class would go a long way in helping people define, explain and commit to the way they choose to interact with the world and the people in it. Anyway, this went to a strange place. Next time I post, I promise to have a more cohesive train of thought lol.