We The People: Three Questions On This Election Day

Today is election day in the United States. In a highly contentious presidential race, we the electorate are faced with a major reality: How do we interact with people whose politics clash with our own?

Election Day. It’s a day that highlights both our choices and our differences, reminding us that, regardless of the outcome, we’ll wake up tomorrow to face a simple truth: How we treat each other, especially at work, defines the kind of world we’re building. And in this world—one that’s constantly evolving and full of diverse voices—corporate inclusion grounded in respect is essential.

Creating inclusive environments doesn’t mean erasing differences. It means fostering spaces where everyone can be heard, valued and respected, even when they don’t agree. Here’s how we can hold onto this sense of respect, even when politics divide us.

1. Start With Self-Awareness: ‘Can I Handle My Emotions Today?’

Emotions are heightened on days like today, and it’s natural to feel strongly. Let’s all start with a check-in: “Can I handle my emotions today?” Self-awareness is foundational to respectful interactions—it gives you clarity on your own energy and sets the tone for how you engage with others. If you’re feeling tense or emotionally drained, it’s OK to set boundaries and step back.

Self-awareness isn’t just about what you need; it’s about creating a respectful atmosphere for those around you. It’s an act of community care that helps us approach sensitive conversations thoughtfully and maintain a positive environment, regardless of the political climate.

2. Stay Big-Picture-Focused: ‘Do I Have To Have This Conversation Now?’

In the workplace, we all share common goals. Sometimes, the best way to manage a difference of opinion is to refocus on what we’re working toward together. You don’t have to engage with every invitation to discuss or debate politics; sometimes keeping perspective means deferring tense conversation until another time where cooler heads can prevail.

The idea isn’t to dodge important conversations. I encourage you as an inclusive leader to build proper space and time to connect around potentially hard conversations. But we also must recognize when a debate might take you and your team off course. Projects, deadlines and shared responsibilities offer grounding points. Sometimes staying focused on your team’s shared mission can be a constructive way to build unity. We’re all here to get the work done—and sometimes that’s enough.

3. Embrace Humanity Over Politics: ‘Can I See the Person, Not Just the Opinion?’

Empathy allows us to look past surface-level differences and recognize the person behind the belief. True inclusion requires that we see people in their full complexity, beyond political labels. Each of us brings a unique blend of experiences, values and perspectives to the table, and it’s our job to respect that diversity.

Empathy doesn’t mean we have to agree—it means we’re committed to respecting each other. Practicing empathy invites us to ask questions, remain curious and listen deeply. When we make space for each person’s humanity to shine, we build trust and reinforce that we’re more than colleagues; we’re people sharing a common dignity, here to create something meaningful together.

Agreeing to Disagree—While Building A Better Future

At the end of the day, inclusion in our workplaces goes beyond tolerating different opinions. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels safe and respected. While we may not align on every issue, we share a responsibility to cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive without fear of dismissal or harm.

Whatever today’s election results bring, our commitment remains the same. We are called to leave the world better than we found it, starting with our workplaces. Building a future based on respect, empathy and inclusion isn’t just good for business—it’s good for the world we all share.

James Baldwin once said, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” As we step into tomorrow and the next days, let’s take that message to heart.

Together, we can agree to disagree while staying true to our collective humanity, creating organizations that are truly inclusive, respectful and united in purpose.

The Inclusive Leadership Newsletter is a must-read for news, tips, and strategies focused on advancing successful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in technology and across the IT channel. Subscribe today!

Photo by Tabrez Syed on Unsplash