Brené with Megan Reitz and John Higgins on Leading in an Age of Employee Activism
Feb 28, 2022
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Brené Brown talks with Megan Reitz and John Higgins about leading in an age of employee activism. They discuss creating 'Speak Up, Listen Up' cultures, navigating power dynamics, recognizing advantage blindness, and fostering dialogic engagement within organizations. The conversation also touches on societal advantages, collective decision-making, and the importance of concerns alignment. Additionally, they reveal personal insights through music playlists and emphasize the power of actively listening in activism.
Leaders must embrace learning and humility to navigate employee activism.
Organizations need to move beyond surface-level responses towards genuine listening and action.
Creating inclusive spaces for dialogue on social issues is crucial for fostering a culture of authenticity.
Deep dives
Employee Activism and Organizational Power Dynamics
Employee activism in organizations is on the rise, challenging traditional power dynamics. Companies are facing increased pressure from employees and stakeholders to address wider societal and environmental issues. Leaders are now grappling with the need to listen and respond to employee voices on complex issues like climate change, diversity, and social justice.
Challenges Faced by Leaders in Addressing Activism
Leaders and managers are struggling to adapt to this shift as they navigate unfamiliar territory. The generational differences, particularly with millennials and Gen Z employees, highlight the need for leaders to embrace learning and humility. Activism forces leaders to confront their existing assumptions and biases, leading to discomfort and the need for self-awareness.
Responses to Employee Activism in Organizations
Organizations exhibit various responses to employee activism, ranging from ignoring the issue entirely to adopting a facade of support without real action. Some companies suppress activism, while others engage in superficial responses without meaningful change. The challenge lies in moving beyond surface-level responses towards genuine listening and action to address the concerns raised by employees.
Activism and Organizational Change
Acting on commitments is essential in fostering real change within organizations. The podcast highlights the concept of facadeism, where actions don't align with stated values. Organizations face challenges in authentically integrating activism into their culture, often prioritizing traditional metrics over social impact. The discussion emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement and dialogue over tokenistic gestures, urging leaders to embrace true activism and address underlying power dynamics.
Employee Activism and Organizational Awareness
Employee activism is influenced by organizational responses and leadership attitudes. The podcast delves into the significance of creating inclusive spaces for dialogue on social issues. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the organizational culture by valuing concerns from diverse perspectives. The conversation highlights the impact of external factors, such as societal movements like Black Lives Matter, in shaping organizational responses and fostering a culture of authenticity and dialogue.
I’m talking to Megan Reitz, a professor of leadership and dialogue, and John Higgins, a researcher and author, about an article they published in the MIT Sloan Management Review titled “Leading in an Age of Employee Activism.” It’s a huge topic in every organization I talk to, and I can say, as an employer and an activist — leading a team filled with organizers and activists — that this is definitely an important issue. We talk about what it takes to make a difference, to do the internal work, and to give leaders the skills to lead with advocacy in the modern workplace.