Your neighbor comments that anyone who votes for X candidate is an idiot. Your co-worker says they aren’t going to vote because it won’t make a difference. Your boss says that unless Y candidate is elected, your paychecks will be disastrous next year. OR: Everyone you work with supports X candidate (maybe that is an assumption; is that a good thing?).
We're all feeling the tension in the air, right? With the country so politically divided, discussions about the election are creeping into the workplace. Leaders set the tone for what is appropriate and have a unique opportunity to help their teams navigate differences successfully. While we might like to think that the election is a non-work issue, how we handle it can set the stage for how we engage, shut down or direct our teams. Do we support diverse views or create groupthink? All eyes are on the leader.
Should we be Striving for Alignment?
It might seem like a good idea to have everyone on the team thinking the same way, but sometimes too much agreement can be a sign of trouble ahead. When everyone's singing from the same song sheet, it can be hard to spot flaws in our thinking. It's like an echo chamber—the same ideas keep bouncing around, getting louder and louder, but never really challenged.
The notion that even if you align the company politically (more agreement seems like a good thing), the echo chamber may not only prevent the team from seeing other viewpoints, but will fuel the collective perspective to become continually more extreme. It may be that too much alignment is an indication of current hiring practices that are leading to a narrow view. That ultimately may result in less insight and hinder the competitive advantage you want to have.
We can be more intentional about listening to understand others' views and learn to have respectful conversations, even when we disagree. We can also be sensitive to times when the best option is to respectfully not engage in conversation that feels contentious and negatively impacts a sense of belonging. This can make our teams stronger and better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
Understanding the Mood
As our nation approaches a new presidency, it's clear that emotions are running high. First off, let's acknowledge that people are feeling a lot of different things right now. Some might be feeling anxious or scared, while others might be angry or frustrated. Some might be excited and confident in the candidates they are backing, hopeful about the future. Some might be feeling disengaged and disempowered to make a difference. Leaders are challenged to manage their own individual emotions and be conscious of how their actions set the tone.
Leading with Compassion
As leaders, we need to lead by example. That means showing compassion, understanding, and respect for everyone on our team, regardless of their political views. We can do this by:
Consider these questions:
Remember, your team is watching. Every move you make, every word you say, shapes the culture of your team. So, be intentional. What kind of leader do you want to be? What legacy do you want to leave? Let your actions reflect your values.
Reach out if we can help in your journey!