Why Political Engagement Matters for Business Leaders

What does being politically engaged mean to you?

When it comes to politics, most of us think of engagement as being on the front lines, protesting, running for office, and voting. We tend to think of ourselves as being engaged or not. We're either interested in the latest news and developments, or we're not.

But what if I told you that no matter your level of interest in politics, you’re already involved? Low interest and apathetic lack of action are political engagement in support of the status quo. Whether you think you’re “into politics” or not, you are.

Over the last 24 hours, the world has watched Tennessee House Representatives take swift action in a historic and unprecedented expulsion of elected representatives that protested for gun reform ten days after a mass shooting inside Nashville’s Covenant School killed three children and three adults. The protest lead to a House Majority call for the expulsion of all three representatives. However, only two of the three representatives - two Black men and two of the youngest lawmakers from the General Assembly, Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson- were voted to be expelled. The third protestor Representative Gloria Johnson was saved because, in her words,

“I think it’s pretty clear. I’m a 60-year-old white woman, and they are two young Black men.” No House member has ever been removed from elected office for violating decorum rules.

Is this really happening?

This can’t be happening?

What just happened?

Like many leaders - across political party lines - I’ve had a range of emotions, from dissociation to disappointment to embarrassment to outrage. In sitting with these emotions, I’ve reflected on how as business leaders, we are often unengaged, uninformed, or underestimating the impact of inaction and silence. Pretending that not speaking about politics keeps politics separate from business couldn’t be farther from the truth. Politics impacts nearly every business decision across most industries.

As business leaders and career professionals, I'm writing this in hopes that we will understand why politics are critical to growing our businesses and why political engagement is essential to creating inclusive work environments where people can speak up and challenge norms for the greater good without fear of losing their jobs.

The Impact of Politics on Business Decisions

?

Politics has an impact on virtually every aspect of life and business. From taxes to regulations to contracts and beyond, decisions made by politicians directly affect how businesses are run. As such, being aware of the current political environment is essential for business leaders who want to succeed in their respective industries. Knowing which laws are being proposed or enacted can help you prepare for changes that may come down the line.

In addition to laws and regulations, politics can also influence consumer behavior. How people feel about certain issues can greatly affect their spending habits. So business leaders need to stay informed about current events to anticipate how their customers may respond and inform marketing strategies for products or services.

Make no mistake, C-Suite leaders pay close attention to and are invested in the outcomes of politics. They discuss politics in their meetings and regularly communicate with local, state, and federal officials. Beyond awareness and conversations, corporations spend millions of dollars each year on lobbying to influence the democratic process. In 2022, federal lobbying spending reached $4.1 billion — the highest since 2010.

Your company is talking with your legislators consistently. Why aren’t you?

If you’re a mid-level leader or entry-level career professional, it’s critical that you apply that same awareness and attention to the impact of politics on business decisions. Contributing to your employer's PAC is great. Actively participating in the process of voting in local elections and donating to organizations and campaigns that advance leaders and causes you align with is better.

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??

The Benefits of Political Engagement?

Political engagement goes beyond simply staying up-to-date with current events; it includes getting involved in the process itself by speaking out on key issues and taking action when needed. One of the bright lights over the past 24hrs has been seeing both conservative and `liberal leaders across the United States speaking out to express their outrage and disappointment in the expulsion, discrimination, and disenfranchisement of duly elected Tennessee House Representatives.

Many career professionals in Nashville and Memphis have also contacted their local city council members, that will play a role in determining the interim leadership of the 2 vacant seats. This type of involvement allows leaders to influence potential legislation that can impact business operations to conduct business according to their values.?

Business leaders have an enormous opportunity to shape politics that align with their DEI values and commitments. Many corporations often express DEI sentiments such as:

• I want people to speak up and be their authentic selves
• I want to create a team with psychological safety
• I care about diversity, equity, and inclusion
• I want my organization to be a safe place for sharing opposing views
• Challenging the status quo makes us better
• I want a more diverse team
• I want an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel respected and valued.?

However, moments like these create an opportunity to influence political leaders by speaking up and speaking out against racial injustice. Companies like Ben & Jerry’s have been outspoken in their politically laced calls to action for racial justice. In addition to their activism being aligned with their values, they also recognize that for millennial and GenZ consumers, strong company values and doing the right thing substantially impact buying behavior.

Regarding the impact of their activism on the business, Ben & Jerry’s CEO Matthew McCarthy shared with Harvard Business Review,

“We’re seeing strong growth, and we’ve got some good data showing that our fans are aware of our social mission activities, which makes them more supportive of our business and vocal about it. Some of them buy more ice cream as a result. They don’t have to. That’s why we call them fans, not consumers.”

Whether you think you’re “into politics” or not doesn't really matter—politics affects all aspects of life and thus has implications for businesses and individuals. Apathy and inaction are choices that also impact the political system.? As a business leader, it's essential that you stay abreast of the latest developments in local, state, and federal politics so that you can support and elect leaders that align with your values, anticipate how your industry might be impacted by pending legislation or policy shifts, and take action to speak up and get louder to create the inclusive and equitable communities that so many corporations spend thousands of dollars designing DEI reports about.

Let your voice be heard when decisions get made, and encourage your colleagues, family, and community to lean into courage to advocate for systemic change on issues such as structural racism, income inequality and discrimination. Take your allyship from sideline commentary to systemic community impact - one action, one call, one letter, one conversation, one vote at a time. And in the words of Representative Justin Pearson,

"If you want to fight to make this place a better place, you have to use your voice. You have to use your power. And, yes, sometimes you have to get expelled.”

“Courage is contagious.” - Representative Justin Jones