Politics has traditionally been a taboo topic to discuss on the job. But as people get more vocal about their views -- on everything from from climate change to racial justice, elections to invasions -- it's increasingly hard to keep debate out of the workplace. And that can lead to conflicts between colleagues. Julia Minson of the Harvard Kennedy School of ... Show More
Today
How People Without Formal Power Gain Influence
In today’s increasingly decentralized workplaces, leaders often need to get things done without having direct authority over the people they depend on. So how can you influence colleagues, clients, vendors, and even senior executives without simply telling them what to do? Pamela ... Show More
20m 50s
Jul 2024
Discussing Politics at Work and the Importance of Civility
In the midst of an election year, political tensions are running high everywhere, and the workplace is no exception. Employees are likewise coming to work with their political views top of mind, which they don’t always share or express with civility and respect. In this episode o ... Show More
54m 10s
Dec 2021
The Political Polarization of Corporate America
Increased polarization in America has meant more political homogeneity across our digital, social, and civic spaces. But what about our workplaces, where so many Americans spend a bulk of their time?
Associate Professor of Finance at Chicago Booth, Elisabeth Kempf, has new data ... Show More
41m 54s
Mar 2025
237 Phil Wagner - Polarization
<p>Have you ever avoided interacting with a colleague because the two of you see the world very differently? You know the conversation will be frustrating, so you just go another way. That, in its most basic form, is an example of polarization. We tend to think of polarization in ... Show More
22m 45s
Oct 2025
Your Words and Stories Matter: Tips for Civil Conversations
In today’s increasingly polarized world, even a casual mention of politics or differing opinions at work can escalate tensions. Roy Abdo, CEO of Digital Revamp, shares communication and storytelling tips for leading with civility and empathy — like sharing personal narratives, us ... Show More
25m 29s
May 2025
What to Share, What to Hold Back
Self-disclosure at work can build trust and connection, but it also comes with risks. In one of our earliest episodes, the late Columbia professor Katherine Phillips explained how sharing personal experiences helps diverse teams connect. We revisit that 2018 conversation and talk ... Show More
48m 43s