Leadership on Election Day

I want to share a note to leaders, as a reminder of the influence and impact we have. Hopefully, your company has made Election Day a holiday, or offered additional PTO days that cover voting, poll support, and general self-care. If work is still continuing for a myriad of reasons, there are things you can do as a leader to make this day flexible and positive, and as least stressful as possible.

Below are a few notes that may be helpful reminders or starter notes to send to your own teams (some of which are edits of what I actually sent) as a reminder of ways to help teams through this important day (and beyond).

I know many voted early, and if the business is not closed, some may be taking PTO days or working flexibly in order to vote. I also know business and life keeps going, so I wanted to remind you, especially as leaders, of a few things. 

1. Flexibility for voting! If you voted early, great! It’s possible others did not – be cautions of schedules or meetings. If a meeting is time-sensitive and critical today, BE SURE everyone knows they are free to skip a meeting if at the polls, dial in audibly if it's an important zoom or presentations, and certainly hop off to vote. Lines can be long, so be flexible and supportive of your teams. Directly remind teams of this flexibility and be sure there aren't unintended pressures or perceptions that communicate otherwise.
2. Self-care. The world is stressful for many. There is natural anxiety that is only amplified if you are doomscrolling or watching the news – which some of us can’t avoid – please be kind to yourself and others. Deep breaths, fresh air, celebrate the love, wellness, and goodness in your life and how much better we all have it than others.
3. Vote! Exercising your right, that so many fought for, is a privilege. I cried when I voted early this year. It can be tense, stressful, joyful, empowering, and emotional – quite the roller coaster! I hope your voting experience and that of your family and friends is positive!
4. Food and drinks. Many of us have been bringing food and drinks to polling places and dropping it off for volunteers – no matter someone’s politics, we want everyone to stay in line and vote, so anything we can do to support is welcome!
5. Customers. Customers may be stressed. Anything we can do to be a bright spot in their day, we should. Whether it’s giving them a little something extra, being patient, or understanding if people are late for pick up orders. Grace, love, and kindness are words of the day!
6. Please be sure you make every effort to be flexible for team members today and share appropriate sentiments to help them have the best day possible!

Sending good vibes your way!! If there’s anything the company or I can do for you or your teams, let us know!

Please feel free to copy and paste or edit for your own use if it's helpful. You never know when that note from you may relieve a little stress, make someone feel seen and supported, or even encourage them to stick it out at the polls. What else would you add?

Days like today (and years like this year) are opportunities to lead, support others, and do our part to make our companies, communities, country, and the world a better place.