Difficult Topics are Productive Discussions Waiting to Happen

Things feel a bit tumultuous in our world. We are aware of the fragility of a lot of our systems that we had grown accustomed to assuming were stable. Currently, leaders need to know how to welcome the discussion of difficult topics. Our fear of causing offense keeps barriers high. We listen and read about difficult subjects, but we aren’t sure how to express our feelings about them to one another. Listening with an open heart to another’s take on a sensitive topic demonstrates more respect than silence ever will. Your opinion matters but leaving room for other’s opinions creates a secure foundation. After the recent Supreme Court leak about overturning Roe vs. Wade, Netflix, PayPal, Microsoft, Target, Walmart, and Apple refrained from public comment, but they encouraged discussion about it within their organizations, and provided employees with safe environments to shares their reactions, thoughts, and feelings. If you are an HR professional, encourage your leadership to take the following steps. First, create a platform for managers and employees to discuss controversial and sensitive topics. Managers can share outcomes with HR and HR can create responses to concerns. Next, leaders must learn to be authentic and engage, listen, and demonstrate heightened EQ. Leaders must be capable of absorbing opposing viewpoints and confirming the relevance of each. It is HR’s duty to ensure that leadership is equipped for this challenge. Finally, create a work culture and environment that is conducive to courageous communication and rewards honesty and vulnerability. Clearly communicate that expressing emotion is not unprofessional, but an extension of being a human who is a professional. Leaders, educate yourself about the hot button topics when they arise so that you can be a source of information for employees. When you don’t have answers, admit it, promise to search for them, and practice follow through. We must remember the value add that the expression of diverse perspectives creates. If we want our organization to experience growth and innovation, we must encourage dialogue among employees that fosters personal growth.