Staying Grounded as a Leader in Divisive Times
As this election cycle nears its end, many leaders are navigating the complex dynamics of workplace relationships in an increasingly polarized world. If you're like many leaders I work with, you're feeling the weight of maintaining unity within your "purple" team—a team made up of people with diverse political beliefs, backgrounds, and values. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
The Election Year Dilemma: How to Lead in Divisive Times
The question I want to explore with you today is this: How can you, as a leader, foster a culture of understanding and respect during such a politically charged time? More specifically, how do you ensure that your team members don't get boxed into assumptions based on their political leanings?
In today's world, it's easy for people to feel trapped by labels. As leaders, it's critical to prevent these societal pressures from seeping into our work culture. When someone is labeled or reduced to their beliefs, it becomes difficult to create an open environment where curiosity and genuine understanding can thrive. Yet, it's our responsibility to encourage this openness while establishing psychological safety.
Grounding Leadership in Core Values
The key to navigating these turbulent waters lies in anchoring conversations and decisions in your organization's core values. When discussions get tough, returning to shared values—rather than individual political beliefs—creates a foundation for productive dialogue. It's not about avoiding these conversations, but framing them in a way that aligns with what your company stands for.
Leaders who ground political discussions in the organization's core values foster an environment where people can share their perspectives without being reduced to a “side.” These values might include:
Respect: We honor each person's individuality and experiences.
Curiosity: We stay open to learning from others, even when we disagree.
Courage: We address difficult topics with openness, knowing that deeper understanding awaits on the other side.
Humility: We recognize that we may not know everything and remain open to learning and growth.
Try This: Align Conversations with Core Values
Next time a difficult conversation emerges within your team, anchor the discussion in your shared company values. Before diving into the specifics of the topic, take a moment to reflect on what your company stands for. Frame the conversation around these values, reminding your team that the goal is to strengthen connections rather than divide. This will help foster a safe space for open dialogue while keeping the discussion aligned with your organization's mission and culture.
Encouraging Conscious Voting and Grounded Leadership
One of the greatest responsibilities you hold as a leader during this time is to remind your team that their vote matters and is an extension of their values and beliefs. Encourage them to vote with their conscience, while also ensuring a professional environment where everyone feels safe and free from judgment.
Leading during an election season isn't about avoiding conversations. It's about approaching them with humble curiosity and a commitment to the collective good. It's about staying grounded in empathy, being willing to listen deeply, and creating a safe space for everyone to be heard. It's also about knowing your context and choosing when and where to engage certain topics thoughtfully.
Moving Forward with Love and Understanding
As we move through the final stretch of this election season, I encourage you to lead with love, curiosity, and the intention to foster understanding. Leadership isn't about winning political arguments; it's about holding space for others and guiding your team to remember what connects them, not what divides them.
Let's keep this important conversation going. I'd love to hear how you're handling this within your teams.