Navigating Civil Discourse in the Workplace
As someone who’s spent years engaging with leaders on complex topics, I’ve seen how quickly conversations can become divisive, especially in today’s climate. Whether we’re discussing politics, social issues, or organizational strategy, maintaining civility and finding common ground can feel like an uphill battle. In episode 745 of the HRchat Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with my good friend, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM, to tackle this very issue.
Recently, SHRM took a significant shift from DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to I&D (Inclusion and Diversity) – a move that sparked considerable public reaction. But what stood out to me in our conversation wasn’t just the reasoning behind the shift, but how Johnny and SHRM handled the inevitable backlash with grace and respect. This episode is about more than just organizational changes; it’s about how we can have difficult, even contentious, conversations while maintaining civil discourse.
What I Discussed with Johnny in This Episode:
- Navigating civil discourse in contentious times: Johnny shared some profound insights about the reactions to SHRM’s I&D focus. Instead of getting caught up in the negativity, he talked about the importance of keeping the dialogue respectful, no matter how passionate people feel.
- The role of listening in leadership: One thing Johnny and I agreed on is that leadership starts with listening. Before SHRM made its decision, they spent years gathering data, engaging in conversations, and truly listening to diverse viewpoints. I asked him to dive deeper into how this influenced their eventual move and why listening is such a critical skill for leaders.
- Promoting inclusivity and diverse perspectives: While the shift from DEI to I&D has made waves, Johnny emphasized that true inclusion is about embracing all perspectives, even those that challenge our own beliefs. We talked about how HR leaders can foster environments where differences in opinion aren’t just tolerated but welcomed as a source of growth.
What struck me during our conversation was how much the issue of civility resonated with both of us. In a world where disagreements can escalate into personal attacks, SHRM’s “One Million Civil Conversations” campaign stands out as a powerful initiative. I see it as a way forward, not just for HR professionals but for all of us, as we try to bring back the lost art of respectful dialogue in the workplace and beyond.
Key Questions We Touched On:
- How do we maintain civility when discussing sensitive topics like DEI versus I&D?
- What does it really mean to listen, not to respond, but to understand?
- How do we, as leaders, create environments where disagreement can occur without hostility?
- What’s the mission behind SHRM’s “One Million Civil Conversations” campaign, and how can we implement it in our own teams?
This conversation wasn’t just about diversity; it was about the bigger picture—how we, as HR leaders, can guide our teams through difficult conversations, lead with empathy, and still come out the other side better and stronger.
If you’re leading teams or navigating tricky conversations in your own organization, I think you’ll get a lot out of this episode. Johnny’s insights on fostering civil discourse, even when there’s significant disagreement, are invaluable. I hope you’ll tune in.