If you’re like me, you remember a time not long ago when the world didn’t seem so complicated. During what I would call the good old days, it looked like most people fell somewhere in the middle of the sociopolitical landscape. Civil discussions were the norm, and political affiliations rarely made themselves known in public.

It only takes a second of watching the news and social media feed to realize that things have changed considerably.

So, what happened? Technology and the rise of internet-based media have altered the way people communicate and relate to one another. Everyone has a voice now, which is wonderful, but it also means that the loudest, most provocative voices tend to dominate the conversation. As a result, it has become challenging to find common ground and engage in civil discourse, regardless of the setting.

Leading Through Division

As a leader, you have a responsibility to guide and influence the way interactions take place within your organization. However, you also have your own beliefs, values, and points of view. The challenge for you is to lead from a place of authenticity while respecting the beliefs and values of others. Moreover, you must do so without stoking the flames of unproductive or mean-spirited debate.

Do you merely hold back about your personal beliefs and values or do you speak up? Do you weigh in on controversial topics, or do you continue to seek a separation between life in the office and the real world? Do you even have a choice anymore?

These are important questions to ask, but unfortunately, are difficult to answer. We are currently in the midst of challenging times with no instruction manual to tell us what to do. The reality is that you get to decide how you act and how leadership operates within your organization. You are writing the leadership handbook for our times and for the leaders of our future.

Stay Silent or Share Your Authentic Message?

One of the most significant decisions you need to make during these divided and controversial times is whether to stay silent or share your own authentic message with the motive to inspire and influence others with honesty and transparency. Some people hold the belief that leaders should continue to keep quiet and avoid expressing their views on controversial subjects. Others say that remaining silent is a cowardly act. Is it your responsibility to speak out to your shareholders and employees or avoid rocking the boat?

What’s most important is to have a clear understanding of your beliefs and values, both as an individual and as a leader. You also need to understand the beliefs and values that drive your employees while evaluating what has been embedded within your organizational culture. If these are not in alignment at all levels, disengagement occurs, and performance suffers.

Some leaders such as Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff believe that speaking out on issues is no longer a choice, but an expectation. According to Benioff, “Anybody who says a CEO doesn’t have a right to say what they want for their company doesn’t understand what leadership is.” Furthermore, Benioff believes that the rise of Millennials in the workforce is driving the expectation to speak out, saying, “CEOs have to realize that Millennials are coming into the organization and expecting the CEO to represent the values of that organization. That’s why every CEO has to be in touch with those values.”

The reality is that not everyone agrees that CEOs and other leaders should express their views on any subject matter so willingly. Warren Buffett has stated his belief that it's a "mistake" to impose his views on his hundreds of thousands of employees and shareholders. However, it will only become increasingly difficult to remain silent and neutral in the coming months and years ahead. Fresh and authentic approaches are necessary in a new world where leaders are expected to not only lead their employees but serve as authoritative voices on behalf of them and their organization.

How to Transcend Polarization and Lead Authentically

To be an authentic and effective leader, I believe it’s important that your values be aligned with your organizational values and it’s crucial that you can express those values and related beliefs openly and honestly. It is also vital that you ask yourself some questions before you decide to take a stand on an issue that may be deemed controversial on behalf of yourself and the company you represent.

• Is it relevant? You're considering making a statement about a particular issue. Before you do so, you must determine if it's pertinent to your organization, its mission, and your values. If it’s not, you risk adding fuel to a fire that you can’t extinguish.
• Are people demanding you to speak out? If no one (employees, shareholders, board members, etc.) are requesting you to make a statement or offer a view on a topic, it may not be wise to weigh in. However, if people close to you are clamoring for you to speak, you should consider their pleas seriously.
• Are you speaking from a position of authority, or are you in over your head? Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are ever so critical as it relates to this question. Before you speak out, you need to ask yourself whether you're speaking from a place of true wisdom or if you're merely offering a poorly informed opinion. If you are well informed and authoritative, you may be poorly regarded for not speaking out. But if you are simply throwing ill-considered ideas around, you're better off keeping them to yourself.
• Are you focused on the positive or negative? If you have to put people and organizations down to make a point, it’s probably not one worth making.
• Are you building a better community with your leadership and your perspective? Leaders need to do more than guide their organizations; I believe they also need to look externally and work to benefit their communities. So, if what you have to say flies in the face of what’s right for your community, you should reevaluate your position.

We are living in a world made up of “fake news” and sensationalism where distrust sometimes prevails. Rumors, allegations, and outrageous stories are becoming more and more difficult to separate from the truth. Your challenge is to do what’s necessary to protect your reputation, your information and your company so that you can maintain trusting relationships with your customers, clients, employees, and stakeholders.

Authentic Leadership and a Civil Workplace

You may ruffle some feathers if you decide to speak out on an issue, but your authenticity will go a long way toward transforming your workplace into a place of civility and a reflection of the world you want to live in. When your values and beliefs are consistent with those of your organization, you will attract and retain higher-performing employees. You will earn greater respect. And you will foster a culture that doesn’t allow divisions from the outside world to interfere with decency and productivity within your organization.

What Do You Think?

This is a tricky topic, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers to mend the division that exists in our world (and our workplaces). I would like to hear what you think so please reach out – let’s chat!

What do you think the role of the modern business leader should be in a polarized society? What works for you and your organization? What doesn’t work? Let me know what you think by sending me an email at joanne.trotta@leadersedgeinc.ca.

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