What US Politics Taught Me About Workplace Conflicts
As a first blog post, discussing US politics might seem risky. It’s a topic almost everyone has strong views about, and it can be challenging to have a productive conversation. However, I believe it’s important to be able to talk and share opinions in the hope that, by adding to the conversation, I might improve the situation—even if just a little.
Understanding Divisiveness
The point I want to explore is divisiveness—the idea that for one side to win, the other must lose, as if everything is simply right or wrong, with nothing in between. But I don’t see the world that way. Taking a step back, watching recent events in the U.S. feels like a scene from a strange sci-fi movie. The country appears completely divided, with each side piling on hate toward the other. There’s no openness to compromise, only a fierce loyalty to one’s own “truth,” presented as indisputable fact. It saddens me to see so much anger between people, and it only seems to be getting worse.
Lessons from the Workplace
In my experience, working in a company can sometimes feel similar. We’ve all seen departments at odds with each other, focused more on proving themselves right than on doing what’s best for the client. Each side is building its own kingdom, defending its turf, and seeking approval from the boss. People often cling to selective “facts” that support their viewpoint, making it difficult to compromise. I’ve been there myself, drawn into conflicts and letting my emotions take over. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right approach, but pride and anxiety kept me stuck.
Letting Go of Your Position
The journey to overcoming divisiveness begins with self-work. Letting go isn’t about changing someone else’s mind; it’s about releasing your own attachment to a fixed perspective. This first step is difficult—you may feel deeply invested in your beliefs and want to defend them, but true growth comes from setting them aside, even just for a moment. This process is entirely internal. It’s about loosening your grip on your position to open your mind to new possibilities. You’re not pretending to let go; you’re genuinely allowing yourself to see things differently.
You’ll know you’ve reached this point when you feel a shift, perhaps a sense of relief or clarity, like a door opening in your mind. Embrace that feeling, and trust the process. This work is about transforming yourself, not others, and it’s the foundation for building healthier, more open perspectives.
Listening with an Open Heart
Once you’re in this mindset, approach the other side with an open mind and heart. Listen—don’t defend or question—just understand. Even if they’re not ready to compromise, this exercise is about transforming your own views. Empathize with them, try to see things from their perspective, and blend their viewpoint with your own. Look for a middle ground, something beyond right and wrong. If you do this, your perspective will evolve and likely become more balanced, appealing to more people and, ultimately, better serving your client or customer.
It’s also interesting to see that, when you apply this approach, sometimes the other person starts to change too. It doesn’t happen every time, and it’s never about changing their view—it’s about opening our own. Just for a moment, imagine if Trump had done this in his debate with Kamala Harris. Imagine how it would have blown the debate apart. I think everyone would have been shocked, stunned even. Picture him, live, in front of millions, showing a willingness to listen and understand. Imagine if he had stood there, slightly vulnerable, adapting his views in the moment to incorporate another’s perspective, working toward a better solution. Would he have seemed weak? A poor leader? Or would he have inspired, casting a light where before there was only darkness? For me, that is the type of leader I would like to follow—and to be.
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Heroes
Finally, I want to end with a few stories that brightened my weekend and reminded me that there are countless good people out there, doing meaningful things for others on their own initiative. One of these stories comes from Jimmy Broadbent, known for playing car racing games on the computer—a niche hobby but one that many, including myself, enjoy. Recently, Jimmy organized a 23-hour team race to raise money for mental health. Yes, you read that right: a group of dedicated, slightly “nerdy” people playing a virtual racing game from their living rooms for nearly a full day. Amazingly, they raised over $100,000 in just one day.
The second story is closer to home. On Friday, our local library hosted a reading night for kids, inviting them to come in their pajamas and spend a few hours discovering the magic of books. The librarian volunteered her time to make this event possible, and, at least for my daughter, it made a huge difference. She came home beaming, inspired by the world of books and thrilled by the experience. Small gestures like this remind me of the power we all have to make a positive impact on others.
These are ordinary people who chose to make a difference, stepping out of their routines to help others. We all have that power within us, the ability to create positive change. It simply requires a decision: to let go of what holds us back, open our hearts, and embrace a different future.
Take the Next Step
Divisiveness doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation; it can be the beginning of something new. By letting go, listening, and seeking common ground, we not only improve our own perspective but also create environments where true collaboration can thrive. Coach North is coming soon, offering personalized coaching to help you tackle challenges, grow in your career, and make a positive impact for both people and the planet. Subscribe now to stay updated and be the first to know when we launch!