Are You Confused by the 92%

Since the results of the election, I've had several conservative friends confide in me that they were surprised that 92% of Black women voted in alignment. Trust me, it is not an indication that Black women are the same.

As a leadership development expert, I’ve observed a fundamental truth in organizations, communities, and movements: leadership thrives when it reflects the values and needs of all the people it serves. Yet, for conservatism, particularly in its current form, this connection often falls short. By centering empathy and inclusion, conservatism could unlock its full potential, embracing a broader coalition of people who share its core values but are alienated by its practices.

The challenge isn’t that conservative principles lack merit—values like personal responsibility, community strength, and cautious reform are universally appealing. The issue lies in the way these values are applied, often overshadowed by exclusionary policies and rhetoric that undermine their potential to inspire and unite.

Leadership Lessons from Black Communities

Black communities offer a case study in the power of values-driven leadership. Like all communities, Black people embody a rich diversity of priorities and perspectives. Yet one factor consistently unites us: exclusionary practices, particularly those rooted in racism and sexism, are disqualifying. This is not just a moral stance; it’s a leadership reality. If a movement or organization tolerates exclusion, it will inevitably alienate those it seeks to engage.

Conservatism’s challenge lies here. While many in Black communities value family, entrepreneurship, faith, and local solutions—all hallmarks of small-c conservatism—these shared principles are overshadowed by exclusionary practices that sever potential connections. The result? Conservative leadership fails to resonate, not because its principles lack relevance, but because its approach excludes rather than includes.

The Cost of Exclusionary Leadership

As a leadership expert, I’ve seen time and again that exclusionary practices weaken any movement. Conservatism is no exception. Three key leadership missteps undermine its potential:

1. Racism and Voting Rights: Policies like voter ID laws and gerrymandering disproportionately impact communities of color, sending the message that certain voices are less valued. This undermines not only trust but the very foundation of shared governance—a hallmark of effective leadership.

2. Sexism and "Traditional Values": Calls for “traditional family values” often translate into policies that restrict women’s autonomy and ignore the realities of modern families. Strong leaders evolve traditions to meet the needs of the present; they do not weaponize them to enforce outdated norms.

3. Coded Language and Fear-Based Rhetoric: Phrases like "law and order" and "American values" are frequently used to justify exclusionary policies, eroding trust and alienating potential allies. Great leaders use language to unite, not to divide.

These practices don’t just harm groups on the margins—they diminish the broader conservative movement’s ability to lead effectively. Leadership, at its core, is about connection, and exclusion breaks that connection.

Empathy and Inclusion: Cornerstones of Effective Leadership

Strong leaders understand that empathy and inclusion aren’t signs of weakness—they are the bedrock of sustainable success. When applied to conservatism, these principles could transform the movement into one that genuinely reflects the diversity of the communities it seeks to serve.

1. Empathy Fosters Understanding: Empathy allows leaders to connect with others’ lived experiences. For conservatism, this means approaching issues like healthcare, education, and economic opportunity with solutions that consider the realities faced by all communities—not just a privileged few.

2. Inclusion Strengthens Coalitions: Inclusive policies that welcome diverse voices build stronger, more resilient movements. By embracing inclusivity, conservatism could expand its reach and inspire broader support without compromising its principles.

3. Traditions Evolve Through Inclusion: Effective leaders know that traditions must adapt to stay relevant. Inclusion doesn’t discard traditions; it enhances them by reflecting the diversity of those who uphold them.

Reimagining Conservative Leadership

What if conservatism embraced the leadership lessons of empathy and inclusion? Imagine a movement where:

• Policies actively support a range of diversity in entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth.
• Families of all configurations are recognized as vital to community strength.
• Immigrants, including Black ones, are valued for their contributions to society, not vilified as threats.

This isn’t about abandoning conservative principles—it’s about fulfilling them. Empathy and inclusion elevate values like family, responsibility, and community by making them accessible to all.

A Leadership Opportunity

Conservatives have a choice to make. They can continue down a path of exclusion, alienating communities that might otherwise align with their values. Or they can step into their leadership potential, embracing empathy and inclusion as tools for connection and growth.

Great leaders recognize when it’s time to evolve. Conservatism, like any movement or organization, has the opportunity to lead with values that unite rather than divide. By centering empathy and inclusion, it can build a movement that reflects the full spectrum of American life—one that is not just principled, but powerful.

What kind of leadership will conservatism choose? That answer will shape its future. Let’s imagine a conservatism that leads by example, inspires through connection, and unites through empathy. What would it take to get there?