A Renewed Call for Civility

Four years ago, on the occasion of the previous U.S. presidential election, we offered the following observation:

“What makes America so strong is the freedom to coexist in a country of diverse views, secure in our rights as citizens to elect our leaders through a democratic process in which power is peacefully transferred. We should never take this remarkable privilege for granted.”

Now, more than ever in modern times, we need to recommit ourselves to this notion. As we prepare to inaugurate our 46th president this week, federal law enforcement authorities have issued warnings about the heightened risk of political violence in Washington, D.C., and at state capitols around the nation.

How did we get here?

I would submit that one reason, as simple as it may seem, is a lack of civility. It is not the only reason, of course, but it is the one directly in our control as individuals, and that’s what makes it vital. In its fullest sense, civility means listening, really listening, to the point of view of others with sincere intent and interest. In that sense, civility is a “big idea” because it is the foundation necessary to hear another person’s perspective.

Of course, advancing civility is easier said than done, not only in our personal lives but in all sectors of civil society, including business. It can be hard to find common ground when even basic facts might be in dispute, but it is absolutely worth the effort.

We can find no better inspiration than one of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, who surrounded himself with political opponents. In his first Inaugural Address, Lincoln declared that "we are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." 

Lincoln understood civility as essential to the productive conduct of human affairs. In that spirit, we must strive to move forward together to a healthier society, and civility is the only path we can travel to get there. 

Let’s conclude by quoting someone who, according to a variety of media reports, may be the one person Americans love and respect across all political, cultural, and social preferences – the wonderful country music singer and songwriter Dolly Parton. “I always just thought, if you see somebody without a smile, give 'em yours,” Dolly famously said.

As with civility, there’s much more depth to Dolly’s idea than what’s on the surface. At its heart, I think her message is this: We need to be sincerely open to the concerns of others and really listen to what’s on someone’s mind in order to reach his heart.

In this new year, and in these troubling times, we do well to let Abe and Dolly show us the way.