Fortune’s Post

“We are not setting the next generation up very well for leadership or a growing economy if we continue to put forth policies like this...This strategy ties one hand behind their back when it comes to getting the right talent in the right places to execute on strategy and growth.” Shared this and more in Fortune today about the impact of rolling back #DEI on innovation and the economy. Read on: https://lnkd.in/eGmYaEzv

Stay Calm and Carry On - Leading Through Election Year Tips: Many leaders we work with are struggling to know the best way to lead through the election year drama, so we will be posting a few tips in the coming weeks to see if we can help.   Tip #1 : Stay nonpartisan. Keep your business focused on the business at hand and not politics. It is likely that you have a diverse workforce with employees on all sides of the political landscape. Taking a stance publicly, isolates a portion of your workforce. In addition, as a leader you are in a position of power and unless your business is politics, it is an inappropriate use of power to push employees one direction or the other.

Business, Politics and Social Media William Dahmer   December 2024  Recent trends in social media have significantly influenced political discourse, reshaping how professionals engage with politics and public debate online. Not all of them are welcome.   Should business professionals be involved in political debates on social media? Whether business professionals should engage in political debates on online depends on their goals, the context, and comfort level with the potential consequences. Engaging thoughtfully in political discussions can position professionals as informed and socially aware leaders, particularly on issues relevant to their industry or expertise. It demonstrates a commitment to values and principles, which can resonate with clients, employees and peers. However, taking a stand on political issues can alienate clients, partners or employees who hold differing views. Public debates may be polarizing, and missteps can lead to backlash. Mixing personal political views with a professional persona can create challenges, especially if others perceive the views as representative of the organization.

"We led some of America’s largest companies. Here’s why we are voting for Harris, not Trump," read the headline of an article published in Fortune. The article is here: https://lnkd.in/g5qh4Kkg ***Prominent ex-CEOs denounced Trump and celebrated Harris citing specious reasons like "Trump will begin with a cabinet full of election deniers" and that they see "real GDP growth, falling inflation with CPI at ~2%, and real incomes outpacing inflation with a steady growth rate of 5.1%" under Harris." Taking sides, and publicly so, is a bad move for CEOs. Research shows political activism does not benefit companies financially, creates zero customer value, and can be divisive for employees. The summary paper is linked here: https://lnkd.in/gFVQX963 (message me for a copy of the paper) If you are a CEO with strong political leanings, keep them to yourself and out of your business. It will help your customers, employees, and shareholders.

Deeply disappointed in the Democratic Party. It is inevitable that Donald Trump will be elected president again, and the Democrats appear painfully out of touch and too arrogant to understand why. The world deserves a better democracy, but honestly, the Democrats don’t deserve to win. In the past three weeks, Trump has appeared on nearly every major podcast, culminating in a conversation with Joe Rogan yesterday (check the image—view counts are astronomical!). I did the math, so you don’t have to: between Theo Von, Lex Fridman, Andrew Schulz, and now Joe Rogan, Trump has amassed 60 million views in just a few weeks! 🤯 Meanwhile, the only Democrat who’s attempted a long-form, unfiltered conversation on YouTube has been Bernie Sanders. While he’s presented compelling policy ideas and reasons to vote for his party, his treatment by the Democrats only adds to the frustration. Rogan and Fridman have openly invited Kamala Harris to talk multiple times. What a colossal missed opportunity. Here’s a lesson for business leaders: don’t make the same mistake. To connect today, be visible, open, and genuine. Drop outdated media strategies, and just speak authentically. Today’s media is wide open—just pick up a phone, take a stance, and share it. Be there and be seen. Trump will likely win—not for offering a groundbreaking vision, but because elections are, and always have been, about emotional connection. This is nothing new! Richard Nixon lost against the media-savvy JFK in one of the first televised debates simply because he appeared sweaty and nervous.

**Trump's Approach: Unilateral Change through Executive Orders** As Donald Trump takes office, the spotlight isn't just on his presidency but on how he plans to impact change. Lacking a clear mandate from Congress, Trump's strategy involves achieving significant change through executive orders. This method allows for rapid action without the need for legislative approval, showcasing a bold approach to governance. Trump's reliance on executive orders raises critical questions about the balance of power in government. While they offer a pathway for immediate action, this approach can bypass debate and collaboration, crucial elements of the democratic process. It poses an intriguing question: How will this strategy shape policymaking and reform effectiveness in the United States? In a polarized political climate, leaders often face the challenge of making impactful decisions swiftly. Trump's use of executive orders exemplifies how leaders might navigate gridlock. As professionals, how do we perceive the balance between unilateral decision-making and collective input in leadership? What are your thoughts on the use of executive orders as a primary tool for change? Do they undermine the democratic process, or are they necessary for swift action? Share your insights! #LeadershipDecisions #ExecutiveOrders #Governance #Policymaking #USPolitics #PoliticalStrategy - - - - - - - - - - "P.S.: Need a relaxing break? Discover unique books to spark creativity at www.sleepyhippie.com"

For our democracy to function properly, Americans need to see pragmatic, principled leaders who leverage their positions of power in order to get things done that actually matter. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eH5YFjiQ

"None of this, of course, means that having the “look of a leader” means someone will be a good one. Nor is there any evidence that voice pitch correlates with leadership skills. Todorov has found that competent-looking CEOs are not better at their jobs, even though they’re likely to receive higher compensation packages. At West Point, even after controlling for athleticism and academic ability, dominant-looking cadets are more likely to achieve higher military ranks. Thus, how a political candidate looks and sounds can influence their likelihood of winning an election. All of this research helps to illuminate both Biden’s lackluster performance in the polls, despite the continuing strength of the economy, and Trump’s slight lead, despite his dubious character and legal battles. As we observed in the debate last week, Biden appears increasingly frail, whereas Trump, though not immune to the effects of aging, still exudes vigor. Moreover, the changing geopolitical situation may be influencing voter perceptions. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the potential one in Taiwan may cause undecided voters to favor a leader who looks and sounds more dominant. Indeed, this may have been an element in Trump’s unexpected 2016 victory, when ISIS was a prominent concern." https://lnkd.in/gFkU4h5f

As we are well into this presidential election year, I’m sharing a piece I wrote for Fortune about how leaders can discern when to lean in on hot (and perhaps even controversial) issues. 🌎 A guiding light of when to speak up and when to keep personal positions to oneself - shared values vs personal ideology.💡Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gi4jf2MM #ThinkBigger #LeadBigger #BetheBiggerLeader

Anticipating challenges from the election year? The political climate can create turbulence but with the right approach, you can turn these challenges into opportunities. Kathleen Lucente's latest article in Fast Company offers a deep dive into navigating this complex period with confidence and strategy. From understanding the political landscape to adapting your strategy for maximum resilience, this article is packed with actionable insights and expert advice. Whether you’re looking to mitigate risks or leverage new opportunities, this read is a must for any forward-thinking leader. Don’t let the election year catch you off guard—arm yourself with knowledge and strategies that can set you up for success. 👉 Explore the full article: https://lnkd.in/g_jdEK5X Fast Company Executive Board