Taking Sides
Leadership requires us to stand up against injustice
I was confronted with a question this week that I can’t stop thinking about:
Should a leader—and even more so, a business—take “sides?”
The question came from a good place.
If we’re doing our jobs as leaders, we’re fostering an inclusive workplace where employees with a variety of backgrounds, life experiences, perspectives, and political views all feel valued and safe.
That necessarily means we, as leaders, shouldn’t bring our personal perspectives and politics into the workplace—because neutrality is how we create inclusion. Right?
Sort of. Maybe? Not so much.
So many issues we face as individuals and as a society are complicated, and the “best” way to address them depends on the perspective you bring.
Some are deeply personal, where the best answer is the one that’s right for you. Others are societal and—no matter what any one person or group claims—there are multiple viable paths forward, each carrying its own tradeoffs.
But there are also times when there are clear answers. Times of absolute right and wrong. When we’re in a battle of good versus evil.
In those moments, we must take a stand.
No matter who we voted for or our views on social safety nets, tax structures, or immigration reform, we can agree on the basic dignity of human life.
We can agree that all people should be treated equally, with respect and an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We can also agree that no one should lose their life—be beaten, choked, or shot to death—simply because they’re gay, Black, or exercising their constitutionally protected right to protest.
There’s only one right answer here.
And we have a responsibility to say so—as humans, as leaders, and as businesses.
Not only is it the right thing to do, our employees expect it of us. They want to know they’re working for people and companies that reflect their own values—and who will stand up for their dignity, and for them, when it matters.
So go ahead and stay silent on which political party you vote for—but stand up against injustice in the world.
Because some issues don’t have sides.
Bonus read: A year later this still feels pretty relevant.
One of the things that initially drew me to our shared former employer was the LPs. I wonder how Earns Trust is trending now. Glad you are having this conversation.