As we head into next week’s midterm elections, our country is in deep water, and CEOs are eager to steer clear of issues known to be “divisive.” A good example for me – only eight of the Fortune 500 companies have committed to end donations to politicians who oppose the certification of the correct results of the 2020 presidential election. Another is how Disney revised its stance on the government’s Don’t Say Gay bill after hearing from its employees.
Today’s political and cultural landscape can be challenging for business leaders. However, everyone has a role to play in solving these problems. If it exceeds the extent of their power and influence, Business leaders must lead by values, plan for future risks, and lead by example.
In the year Following the killing of George Floyd in 2020, leaders across the business spectrum sprung into action. We felt like we were on the cusp of change.
Back then, as always happens when racial progress is made in this country, there was a backlash.
Of course, we are not the only ones facing headwinds, but these threats to our economy, democracy and civil society are real. They must be faced if we are to continue to lead the world as a beacon of freedom and prosperity. We must also consider a critical fact that is at the root of many of the problems we face today: our social and economic system is benefiting non-whites more than all other non-white people in our country.
So where are we now? Among philanthropists, I have never seen a more significant focus on issues of equity, not just race. A broader range of foundations and wealthy individual donors are beginning to explore strategies and practices to support equity-focused work in the sector. On the corporate side, many prominent business leaders are committed to doing better — not only creating a more diverse workforce, but devoting resources to creating cultures of inclusion and creating more opportunities in communities of color. Despite the highly coordinated response we are currently experiencing, significant progress is being made.
After several difficult pandemic years, workers are demanding more from their companies in terms of improved pay and benefits, access to critical rights such as reproductive health care, and consistency in their shared values.
Engaging in political or cultural struggles and deciding how to do so can feel like a no-win for business leaders, especially in today’s polarized and reactionary times. It is impossible to draw lines that please every constituency. But the reality is that we cannot shut down what is happening outside our companies because our democracy is in a stable place. No matter how “good” an employer – no matter how rich the benefits package, no matter how rich the culture – if the wider society in which we operate does not provide opportunities for the majority of our people, that failure extends to the workplace. . In short, the people whose rights are being violated are our customers, our employees, our neighbors and our families, and they need people who have the power to stand up for them. At first glance it may seem “bad for business” to get involved, but in the long run, staying silent will be much worse.
Because the story we’ve been told—that we’re irreversibly polarized—isn’t right.
While there is no perfect playbook in front of us, businesses can strive to repair the past damage our organizations have contributed to. We can build teams that represent the whole face of our country. We can create inclusive, equitable environments where people can be seen and feel a sense of belonging. We can be great corporate citizens in our communities. We can think about the threats to our democracy and what they mean for our work. And we can talk directly with each other, our employees and our customers about the importance of our democratic values and come together to protect them.
With so many Americans divided, we must serve as bridges—helping to build trust, understanding, and community among people. Bridges isn’t about trying to be bipartisan or over-the-top — it’s about reminding our audience in these troubling times that inclusion and fairness are fundamental American values that hold the support of the majority of our population. At this time, by standing up for our shared values, we can help lead America out of this terrible time in our history and back to success. I’m not suggesting it will be easy or that there won’t be short-term losses, but the stakes are too high for any of us with social influence to sit on the sidelines.
It is good for people to lead by shared values. It’s good for the economy. And we must be willing to fight for them with everything we have.
