Preserve team harmony during election season

It’s hard not to talk about politics right now, but the US election is igniting passions that are threatening workplace harmony. As a manager, what can you do to make sure conversations don’t go off the rails? And how can you help your team navigate the emotional road ahead? Start by modeling respectful behavior. Consider sending a message to your team acknowledging the gravity of the moment and the anxiety people might be feeling right now — and reinforce a company culture of mutual respect and goodwill. Be sure to discourage misplaced political comments or banter in meetings, but do so in a way that doesn’t imply that you’re taking sides or censoring your employees’ right to express themselves. And if you feel like it’ll be helpful for team cohesion to create space for political discourse, reach out to human resources for resources on how to facilitate a productive discussion. Don’t try to hold these conversations without the necessary support. Finally, regardless of your team members’ political ideologies, encourage everyone to vote.

(This tip is adapted from “Don’t Let Election Passions Roil Your Workplace,” by Bob Feldman.)

How to build gravitas

When people describe a colleague as having “gravitas,” it typically means that they are taken seriously, their contributions are considered important, and they are trusted and respected. Many people assume that gravitas is a quality you either have or you don’t, but you can actually develop it in a way that feels authentic to you. First, you have to be able to articulate your goals and values. Ask yourself, “If someone were to describe me, what would I want them to say?” You also need to be receptive to feedback, so actively seek it out. Ask those who work with you, “what could I do differently to make my leadership and our working relationship more effective?” Their answers will let you know whether you’re having the impact you want — and help strengthen your relationships. Another way to develop gravitas is to build rapport and trust by demonstrating curiosity about your colleagues’ lives outside of work or sharing something about your own. Finally, don’t believe the myth that confidence is the same thing as gravitas — it isn’t. Even high-powered leaders feel nervous or anxious at times. So focus on building courage instead of confidence. This internal shift may seem subtle, but people will sense — and respect — it.

(This tip is adapted from “Gravitas Is a Quality You Can Develop,” by Rebecca Newton.)

Just pick up the phone

When it comes to communicating with colleagues, you have a lot of options these days: text, Slack, Zoom, phone, email. So which way is best? There’s no denying the ease of written communications. Text-based interactions are often simpler and more efficient, and they enable the other person to respond at their leisure. If you’re sending a straightforward message, a quick update or an attachment, then emails and texts are the way to go. But if you need to catch up with a colleague about something important or talk through a difficult situation, consider an old-fashioned phone call. New research shows that verbal communication actually helps us feel more connected to the person we’re talking to. And while we may have the technology to videoconference, seeing other people’s faces doesn’t make us feel any more connected to them than just hearing their voice. Sure, talking on the phone might feel awkward at first, but the benefits will outweigh that initial discomfort.

(This tip is adapted from “Research: Type Less, Talk More,” by Amit Kumar and Nicholas Epley.)

Prepare for the emotional transition to retirement

When it comes to retirement, most of us focus on our finances: how will we sustain our life without a steady income? But it’s equally important to consider the emotional side — before you reach retirement age. How can you set yourself up for a smooth transition? Close relationships are the biggest predictor of happiness, so invest in your relationships with family and friends. And as you approach the end of your career, create networks beyond the office through things like volunteer work in your community, hobbies that involve partners or groups or mentoring budding entrepreneurs or others in your field. You can also take on part-time or interim work as a consultant or a board member for companies or nonprofits. While navigating these options may seem daunting, it’s well worth the time and effort to plan ahead for how you’ll remain engaged, fulfilled and connected as you enter this new chapter of life.

(This tip is adapted from “3 Tips for a Smooth Transition Into Retirement,” by Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries.)

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, October 26th, 2020