Let's Talk Turkey

It’s Thanksgiving week—which means, without a doubt, there will be at least one awkward conversation about politics around the turkey. Anyone else playing "Bingo" to see if you hear election talk next to the green bean casserole? ??♀?

But honestly, navigating political discourse in the workplace has felt like a bit of a minefield lately.

With so many emotions running high, it’s hard to know when to speak up and when to just listen.

For me, passing the mic is more important than ever. We need to create space for everyone to share—or stay silent—on their own terms. Listening, amplifying underrepresented voices, and allowing our colleagues the freedom to express their feelings or set boundaries is not just important; it’s imperative.

Creating Community (and Common Ground)

As we redefine professionalism, this idea of community has been on my mind a lot lately. Just this week, I had the chance to attend a Thanksgiving lunch at my kid’s school, and finding common ground over boxed mashed potatoes reminded me how essential it is to connect with others. That sense of belonging is something I want all of us to feel in our professional lives too.

If you are searching for ways to navigate these uncharted waters with colleagues, family, or friends, here are a few thing I lean back on:

1. Listen actively: Even when it’s hard to hear opinions that differ from your own, truly listening is the first step to finding common ground and values.
2. Protect your mental health: It’s okay to set boundaries around political discussions—prioritize your well-being.
3. Create intentional space for dialogue: Whether it’s through informal team check-ins or more structured conversations, find ways to talk about what matters to your team. We all need a little space to breathe, especially now.

Looking Forward

As we kick off this holiday season, it's a perfect time to reflect on everything we've tackled together this year. Though Sheva Guy, PhD and I didn’t host a #RedefiningProfessionalism LinkedIn Live this month (we're taking a little break until after the New Year), we covered some important topics in 2024, and I want to thank you for continuing to show up.

• Reimagining professionalism: We’ve explored how professionalism is evolving, and how empathy, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence are essential to modern leadership.
• Conversations that matter: We’ve discussed ways to create safe spaces for tough conversations, supporting each other through the complexities of work-life balance and social responsibility.
• Tackling workplace challenges: From dealing with microaggressions to championing gender equality and antiracism, it’s been a year of bold moves toward a more equitable, human-centered workplace.

Looking ahead, let’s keep pushing these conversations forward and create the spaces in our own communities where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.