Polarisation: The Word of 2024 … How to Cultivate a Connected Culture in 2025!
Maree Wrack
?? Founder of UPShift - Building Connected Cultures of Respect and Civility, TRUST and Performance with Inclusive Leadership
Hi everyone and welcome to this edition of Respectful Workplace Insights!
As we step into 2025, Merriam-Webster has named ‘Polarisation’ the word of the year for 2024.
It highlights the deep divisions evident in many aspects of our lives today, from politics and social media to, yes … the workplace!
Polarisation, simply put … refers to people in groups being deeply divided with little room for compromise.
Differing perspectives are not just seen as diverse opinions but as fundamental threats to one's identity.
It creates tension, erodes trust, and turns collaboration which is foundational to organisational success - into an exhausting uphill battle.
The question becomes…
How can we identify polarisation in our workplace and take intentional steps to cultivate a culture that thrives on connection rather than division?
After 30+ years' experience implementing courtesy, etiquette, respect, trust and building connection in organisations, there is a proven communication pathway out of the deep divide of polarisation.
At the opposite end of polarisation is unity, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
It’s a workplace built on dignity, respect, civility and trust.
The Impact of Polarisation
When people entrench themselves in opposing points of view, there is little room for respectful interactions or mutual understanding.
It often manifests through us-versus-them dynamics, lack of empathy, and escalating conflicts.
Polarisation reduces psychological safety and performance, impedes innovation, and fosters a toxic work environment.
The good news?
These outcomes are preventable when we focus on building unity through intentional practices.
Practices that bridge divides and build trust.
Practices that both leaders and teams can implement to create a connected culture of dignity, respect and civility.
Your access to a connected culture where everyone works better together:
The Antidote to Polarisation: Unity through Dignity, Civility and Respect
Unity doesn’t mean unanimous agreement.
Unity means fostering an environment where differences are acknowledged and valued, and where trust becomes the foundation for collaboration.
Civility doesn’t mean forced politeness while avoiding difficult conversations.
Civility is the practice of engaging with others in a respectful, considerate, and empathetic manner, even when opinions differ.
It means approaching difficult conversations with humility and a genuine desire to understand.
3 Ways to Shift from Polarisation to Connection
1.?Cultivate Dignity - Ensure every individual feels seen, heard, understood, valued, respected, acknowledged and appreciated.
2.?Promote Respectful Conversations - Create spaces where people can express differing viewpoints without fear of judgment or retaliation.
3.?Build Trust - Follow through on commitments, practice transparency, and encourage mutual accountability.
领英推荐
Dignity, respect and trust are the foundations for shifting polarisation to connection!
A connected culture is built through meaningful engagement … civility in action!
3 Practical Steps: Cultivating a Connected Culture of Unity in 2025
To prevent and address polarisation, leaders must be proactive:
1.?Set the Tone at the Top - Leaders must model behaviours that prioritise respect, empathy, and open communication.
2.?Invest in Training - Provide team members with training in respectful communication to navigate difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, and build emotional intelligence.
3.?Create Safe Spaces - Establish opportunities where team members can voice concerns and share ideas without fear of retaliation.
Equip your teams with the tools and collaboration skills they need to thrive.
Navigating the Connected Culture Roadmap powerfully is your pathway to success!
Creating the Future in 2025
Polarisation doesn’t have to define your workplace.
Let’s focus on bridging divides in 2025 and build workplaces where everyone feels valued and connected.
By committing to dignity, respect, and civility, you can create an environment where differences are seen as strengths and collaboration thrives.
A connected culture of unity ensures that civility, respect and dignity are not just values on paper but lived experiences for every team member.
The bottom line is …
Differences are not threats but opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate together.
A connected culture is built through meaningful engagement.
Build bridges, not walls in 2025!
What steps will you take to shift your workplace culture from polarisation to unity?
Thanks for reading this edition of Respectful Workplace Insights.
Happy New Year and see you next week!
For those of you who are new to my weekly newsletter you can hit the SUBSCRIBE button to receive regular editions.
Besides my newsletter, here’s how I can help you build a connected culture where everyone works better together:
1. Find out about how you can eliminate disrespectful conversations and toxic behaviours - book a clarity call HERE
2. Speak with me personally to plan out your strategy.
Respectful Workplace Insights is a weekly newsletter I am publishing on LinkedIn to highlight?some of the things that get in the way of creating a respectful workplace culture.
Eliminating disrespectful, unproductive and depleting conversations and behaviours that are getting in the way of building respectful relationships, alignment and performance is where we start.
Each week I'll offer insights on how to do that so you can create a respectful workplace culture where everyone feels safe and included.
?
?
?