The Leadership Call: Perspective, Preference, and Truth
As we mark another presidential inauguration today, January 20, 2025, we stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s story. In times like these, we have a choice: continue down the road of division or take steps to bridge the gap. For leaders in every sphere—political, organizational, or personal—the path forward lies in revisiting timeless principles that unite us rather than divide us.
One such principle comes from Steven Covey: Seek first to understand, then to be understood. It’s a habit we desperately need to revive, not just in leadership but in how we relate to one another as human beings.
Where Division Takes Root
In recent years, I’ve observed a troubling trend: the monopolization of personal preferences and perspectives as universal truths. This is when we insist that our way of seeing the world is the only way. This mindset, fueled by ideological “tribes,” has created unnecessary divides in families, communities, workplaces, and even our nation.
Social psychology tells us that humans are wired for belonging. Tribes—whether political, cultural, or ideological—offer a sense of safety, shared identity, and purpose. However, this same instinct to belong also causes us to reject what is “different.” This rejection, while natural, becomes harmful when it leads to hostility, intolerance, or the suppression of individual expression.
The Impact on Organizations
We see this play out not only in society but also in organizations. Take the recent backlash against DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Originally designed to provide equal opportunities for all, these programs were often distorted into mandates for equal outcomes. This perversion undermines the very spirit of diversity, which isn’t about meeting quotas or enforcing fabricated inclusion.
True diversity lies in the unique life experiences, preferences, and perspectives each of us brings to the table. It’s about respecting the individual rather than forcing everyone into pre-defined groups or affiliations. When leaders allow these differences to coexist authentically, organizations thrive. When they don’t, divisions arise, distracting teams from their shared mission.
What I’ve Learned from Real Life
Despite the divisive narratives perpetuated by mainstream and social media, my own experiences tell a different story. Over the years, I’ve interacted with people from all walks of life, and what I’ve consistently found is this: the vast majority of people respect one another’s preferences and perspectives.
While the media paints a picture of extreme polarization, everyday interactions reveal something more hopeful. Most people don’t fit neatly into ideological boxes. Instead, they want to be heard, understood, and treated with dignity—just as they are.
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Moving Beyond Labels
This brings me back to an important lesson from a friend. His wife once decided to make changes to her diet, leaning toward veganism. However, rather than adopting the label “vegan” and all the expectations that come with it, they agreed she would simply follow her preferences. By rejecting the label, she found freedom to make choices based on her needs without the pressure to conform to a rigid set of rules.
This story serves as a metaphor for the labels we adopt in every aspect of life. Once we box ourselves in, we feel obligated to follow the “rules” of that label—whether or not they truly align with our values. The result? A loss of authenticity and unnecessary division.
The Leadership Challenge
As leaders, we must reject this tribalism and return to what unites us. That starts with a shift in mindset:
By embracing these principles, we can create spaces—whether in organizations, communities, or families—where differences are celebrated rather than feared.
A Call for Unity
On this Inauguration Day, let’s reject the narratives that divide us. Let’s remember that our greatest strength as a nation lies not in our sameness but in our ability to coexist with respect and understanding.
Leaders, the choice is yours: Will you perpetuate division by imposing your personal truths on others? Or will you model a path forward by seeking first to understand, then to be understood?
The stakes are too high to ignore this question. Let’s choose unity over division, understanding over judgment, and shared purpose over factionalism.