Denise Hamilton, author of "Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future," joins to discuss navigating workplace tensions post-2024 elections. She shares insights on fostering respect amid differing beliefs and emphasizes emotional awareness in communication. With a focus on building trust, Denise encourages leaders to open dialogues around political topics while maintaining a sense of community. Their conversation highlights the importance of authentic relationships and managing emotional challenges in today’s polarized environment.
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insights INSIGHT
Workplace Politics are Complicated
The workplace has become the default venue for discussing societal problems due to defanged government and social media's gamification of negativity.
Conflicting messages about authenticity at work further complicate these discussions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Kim Scott's Op-Ed
Kim Scott shared her experience of publishing an op-ed in the New York Times, expressing her political views.
She consulted her team beforehand, acknowledging potential power dynamics and aiming for transparency.
insights INSIGHT
Context Matters
Discussing politics at work depends on the established culture and relationships within the team.
A culture of open disagreement and psychological safety is crucial for navigating political discussions effectively.
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Brace yourself—this episode is all about navigating workplace tension with Radical Candor. Kim and Amy team up with Denise Hamilton, author of Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future, to tackle the complicated landscape of workplace polarization and the radical power of respect. Denise, known for her "irrational optimism," sheds light on how we can bridge deep divides, even when it feels impossible and that respect isn’t something earned through understanding—it’s the baseline that makes understanding possible. They explore why caring personally means building trust, even when opinions clash, and how we can create workplaces that honor both individual voices and collective purpose. With Denise’s wisdom and Kim’s Radical Candor principles, this episode digs into the tough conversations leaders often avoid but desperately need. If you’ve ever felt the strain of differing views at work, this conversation is for you—because staying connected is the only way forward. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
(00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce Denise Hamilton, author of Indivisible. (00:03:32) Discussing Politics at Work Insights into the discomfort around political conversations in professional settings. (00:05:01) Contradictory Messages The conflicting messages people face around authenticity at work. (00:07:22) Building a Respectful Work Culture How workplace culture influences political discussions. (00:10:59) Personal and Workplace Boundaries Balancing personal beliefs and professionalism at work. (00:12:59) The Role of Respect in Understanding Respect as the foundation for understanding others. (00:16:42) Holding Space for Emotions Post-Election The importance of allowing emotional expression at work after tense events. (00:21:36) Leaders Counteracting Negativity The role leaders play in intentionally fostering positivity. (00:24:03) Common Ground in Heated Times Finding common ground with people who hold different views. (00:27:05) Approaching Sensitive Topics Mindfully Denise shares her “four-question rubric” for starting difficult conversations. (00:31:52) Navigating Information Curation The pitfalls of curated news and incomplete information. (00:35:43) Misinformation and a Leader’s Responsibility How leaders should address misinformation in their organizations. (00:39:23) Owning vs. Renting: Social Responsibility Adopting a long-term, invested mindset for societal change. (00:44:06) The Vision for a Relationship-Centered Future Hope for a future rooted in personal connections and humanity. (00:46:05) Conclusion
Radical Candor: Communication at Work