Many are aware of the violence that occurred with the recent assassination attempt, but how do we help our employees deal with a divisive political environment? Should we keep politics completely out of the workforce? Or should we encourage discussion?
If we can’t figure out ways to discuss our differences in a rational manner, we’re not truly helping or supporting each other, and we certainly lose the opportunity to learn different perspectives. I’ve realized that conflict can help move us forward, but we must be open to opposing viewpoints and learn to listen and respect each other. We need to encourage open communication and active listening and make it clear that violence is never the answer.
Have you worked with your staff to promote compassionate communication? Have you set up processes and policies that promote discussion but do not tolerate bullying or harassment? We know mental health is a serious issue today; we need to find ways to encourage our employees to feel safe in expressing their opinions and, as leaders, we need to model and encourage constructive conversations.
It’s tempting to attempt to completely restrict political discussions at work or try and deny anything controversial. However, it doesn’t often work and may tempt those with stronger personalities to find ways to make their opinions known where others don’t feel they can express their own thoughts or beliefs. If we instead allow open conversations in appropriate settings and strictly require respectful communication, we provide outlets that may lead to mutual understanding and appreciation for other’s viewpoints.
We tend to gravitate toward those who share our opinions. But in doing that, we cut off the opportunity to learn from others. How can we promote understanding if we fail to learn about or consider different perspectives? It doesn’t necessarily mean we change our own beliefs or passions, but it may help us better understand why others see and/or experience things differently.
Take the opportunity to work with your staff to allow the expression of opinions but set parameters requiring mutual consideration and respect.
That’s the best way for us to get along and maybe even learn from each other.
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