Brian Zellner’s Post

What do employees want from their organizations this election cycle? Here are some key insights from Seramount on how #DEI leaders can navigate the road ahead and best support their employees. #USElection #Leadership #Inclusion #WorkplaceWellbeing

We are less than one week from the 2024 Presidential Election. It is vital for business leaders, HR professionals, and people managers to prepare our teams to uphold civility in the workplace — no matter the outcome. I'd like to share further insights on managing political discussions from my recent discussion with former Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Office of U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), two leaders who championed bipartisanship and civil understanding during their time in Congress. Prepare to host cooperative dialogue that encourages deeper understanding among team members, allowing everyone to work together toward the business's shared goals. Check out our Political Conversations Playbook for research-backed exercises to practice with your team and help bring more civility to workplaces across the country: http://shrm.org/civility #CivilityAtWork #PolicyNotPolitics #WorkplaceCulture #USElections

Why Diversity is Good for Business - by Dave Lenox Paying attention to and acting on diversity in your business can help you show the world (your employees, clients, and potential customers) who you are, what you value, how the way you value people and business shows up in your work. It can also help you refine your thinking and actions to make all that public positioning real! https://hubs.ly/Q02bjvXW0 #cfoselections

📢 People Leaders: With the US Presidential election around the corner, there’s no doubt it’ll bring up a spectrum of emotions, perspectives, and sensitivities that echo throughout our workplaces. As leaders, we are critical in guiding our teams through these moments with a balanced, empathetic approach. Here are a few practices that can help keep us grounded in our values, while supporting our politically diverse teams: ➡️ Acknowledge the Climate, Don’t Sidestep It: Let’s not pretend the election is not on people’s minds. Acknowledging that heightened emotions are natural and expected shows we’re aware and prepared to provide understanding and flexibility rather than looking past them. ➡️ Lead with Listening: Conversations might surface naturally, and when they do, remember to listen more than you talk. Lean into curiosity, assume nothing, and meet people where they are. By keeping the space neutral and open, we communicate that our goal is support, not opinion. ➡️ Set the Tone for Respectful Exchange: It’s essential that teams feel safe, especially when opinions differ. Encouraging respect and curiosity—over debate—reinforces a culture where people feel their perspectives are valued, no matter how different they may be. ➡️ Reinforce Core Values: Now is a great time to remind everyone of shared values. When inclusivity, respect, and empathy are top of mind, they strengthen our foundation and help us move forward as a united, resilient team. ➡️ Prioritize Well-Being: Elections can be exhausting. Remind your staff of the resources available and encourage them to take the necessary self-care time. As leaders, we should model this approach by valuing balance and resilience. Challenging as they can be, moments like these provide a powerful opportunity to lead with authenticity and care. Lean into them by staying rooted in shared values and showing understanding. It's the best way to build trust—and that will sustain us long after the election. #Election2024 #WorkplaceCulture #InclusiveLeadership

The last time Trump was elected president, I thought that organizations would stop doing #DEI work. If the president doesn’t like it, organizational leaders could feel justified in passing on it themselves. Of course, some did. But in the weeks following the #election, I received an influx of calls and emails. (In fairness, I live in Massachusetts, a liberal bubble for which I am grateful; most of my work is here and on the East Coast.) Looking back now, I think many leaders recognized that they didn’t want the kind of discord that had infected politics to run rampant in their offices. They wanted to make sure their organizations fostered #inclusive cultures where everybody could do their best work. If that was important then, it’s even more so now. It feels like our nation has taken a major step back, electing a government that will erode our rights further instead of opening up opportunity. But the election results don’t change what we know to be morally right—or what’s effective in our workplaces. So let’s control what we can. We each have an important role to play in making change, whether it’s organizing for the next election or influencing #organizationalculture. If you’re a leader, what are your values? Your people are your biggest asset—what are you doing to ensure that each of your employees has equitable access to opportunities? How are you supporting an inclusive culture? If you’re a manager—or a coworker—your sphere of influence is your team. How are different members feeling? Do they have a space to let down their guard with colleagues, so they don’t have to pretend everything’s okay? Do they feel confident their employer will treat them fairly, whatever elected leaders might be saying about people with their backgrounds? The path ahead isn’t clear, and we know it won’t be smooth. Let’s each do what we can, in our spheres of influence, to create the society in which we want to live—and the companies in which we want to work.

With DEI programs being cut and elections around the corner, a lot of leaders in this space are feeling uncertain about their jobs. The upcoming election also adds pressure, especially for leaders in government roles, making it tricky to navigate certain conversations in the workplace. When I work with leaders facing these challenges, we focus on their culture and how they want to show up. It’s about ensuring everyone feels heard without letting emotions disrupt the organization. It’s tough, but that’s where the real work lies. My role is to provide the space for these conversations and ask the right questions when needed. As tensions rise, it’s more important than ever for leaders to manage these difficult discussions with care and confidence. It’s very difficult, but also important to do.

How can diversity drive your business's growth and innovation? Join INNoVA, in collaboration with Kingston Economic Development Corporation and I2C Immigration Consulting, to explore this crucial question at "Kingston’s Economic Advantage: Dynamic Inclusion Talent Strategy." See contact information below

🗣️ How to Keep Political Tension Out of Your Workplace With election season heating up, political discussions can easily cause friction among employees. Axcet's Jeanette Coleman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, shares eight expert strategies to keep your workplace civil and focused on productivity, even when opinions differ. 👉 Read more: https://kcpeo.com/3BJKt37 #Leadership #HRCompliance #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture

They bring the experience and perspective of decades in business to the table – but what can businesses do to attract and retain older workers? One word: flexibility. https://lnkd.in/gXmDn88s #recruitment #leadership #diversity #ageism

🗳️ Happy Election Day! 🗳️ Today is a reminder of our freedom to make our voices heard. For anyone who hasn’t had the chance to vote yet—take the time! Your voice matters. For business leaders and managers: Encourage your teams to vote by offering flexibility or time off! Making it easier for employees to participate in our democracy isn’t just good for them—it’s good for your company culture too. As tensions run high and nerves are in the air, let’s remember to approach tomorrow with positivity and respect. Here’s a quick tip: Focus on common goals, listen actively, and give space for people to share their feelings. A culture of trust and support doesn’t stop at the door; it flows into every aspect of the workday. Let’s make today and tomorrow a time for connection, reflection, and a reminder of what we can accomplish together. #ElectionDay #Vote #CompanyCulture #Leadership #CivicEngagement