Last week was an historic week in America. The Supreme Court handed down a number of decisions that affected multiple groups of people. Those decisions also have and will create and build on philosophical and social tensions.
That’s the scholarly way of saying “some folks are happy and some are pissed.”
Knowing that there’s no possible way to make everyone happy, it’s better to think about strategies on how to keep and build rapport. If there’s one thing my kids will remember that I’ve taught them, it’s this:
Believe what you want but you better be able to defend it logically.
I know. I’ve heard them quote me to their friends.
But rather than working this week though on how to defend your position, why not work on building rapport in spite of your position? Here are some suggestions:
If your “side” won last week with the Supreme Court decisions, don’t taunt others. A quick way to draw an unsportsmanlike penalty in a football game is to taunt either a player you’ve knocked to the ground or the entire team if you’ve scored a touchdown. It’s just bad form. Savor your victory professionally.
If your “side” won last week, understand that not everyone feels, thinks, or acts the way you do. Don’t make assumptions that everyone else will celebrate with you.
If your “side” lost last week, don’t be a big baby and start running your mouth about how unfair things are in this country or how this country is “going to hell in a handbasket.” Every generation endures changes to the status quo that might make some unhappy. Get over it.
If your “side” lost last week, accept the new normal and do what you can to succeed in it. Every new societal change brings opportunities that you may not have thought of. Rather than complain, look for how it can benefit you.
For both sides, keep your emotions out of your social media. One reason I dumped Facebook years ago was because of the absolute hate and divisiveness I saw in everyone’s political views. If you want to make new enemies, get “unfriended” en mass, or have recruiters get a clear view of what you really think (not wise by the way) then rant on social media.
For both sides, stay true to your values but work to reach out to others. The challenge of living in a “free” country is that everyone’s freedoms or perceptions of freedoms are different. If you don’t like it, consider moving to a country where theocracy is the law of the land. I’m sure you won’t enjoy that sort of freedom.
Relationships are the glue that holds our business, personal, and professional success together. Your job is to be the leader and reach out to build it. Make it your priority this week.
