What can Midterm Elections Teach Us About How to Improve Our Businesses?

What will change by the end of the day tomorrow in America, the global economy or within our individual businesses? 

Events like the political elections open a window into the cultural state of the union not only for our country, but for the communities we are all part of. Unfortunately for too long these events have given us a glimpse into the deep divisions that exist in our country and the tribalism that has taken hold of our political discourse. Toxic tribalism is nothing new. It has been a part of human history since the dawn of time. But in recent years, it has become more prevalent in our culture thanks to social media and the 24-hour news cycle. We are constantly bombarded with messages that pit us against each other based on our political beliefs, our race, our gender, our religion, or any number of other things.

This toxic tribalism has had a profound effect on our businesses. It has made it difficult for companies to find common ground with their employees, customers, and shareholders. And it has led to an increase in mistrust and animosity.It seems as if every conversation cannot be conducted without someone trying to assess “which side” you are on. However, buried within all the conflict is a gift we need to open. 

“There is no good or bad, only choices.” 

I didn’t understand it at the time, but I completely misinterpreted this statement made by friend Mike Chang. I thought he was saying that our actions don’t matter. However, I believe he was implying something that can begin the healing process for our culture. The way I now interpret his statement is - 

“Everything can work for your good, because you have the power to become aware and make new choices”

If we are tired of the toxic tribalism that plagues us, then we have the power to try to understand it better and change our own actions accordingly. As business leaders we can help elected officials to make better choices. We can help expose the problems that plague us and uncover the solutions that will help us to work together for the common good. This can be a positive signal we send to one another for the health of our culture; because it can show that we are still capable of coming together and focusing on what connects us as human beings.

Humans have always been a cooperative species. We have succeeded because we have been able to coordinate our efforts towards a common goal. This requires trust, and the more we trust one another the faster we can achieve great things.

There are many examples of this cooperation in action. One of the most famous is the Apollo Moon landing program, which was a joint effort between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both countries trusted each other enough to work together towards the common goal of landing a man on the moon.

Another example is the Internet. The Internet would not be possible without the trust that people have in each other. We trust that the information we put online will be accessible to everyone who needs it. We also trust that the people who design and maintain the websites we use will do so in a way that benefits everyone.

Trust is essential for cooperation. Without it, we would not be able to achieve great things. When we choose to work together for the common good instead of battling each other for supremacy we have the potential to overcome any obstacle.

It starts with you, and it starts with me.

We can choose to focus on what makes us better instead of what makes us different. When we make these choices, we will see peace and progress start to take hold in our culture, our economy, and our businesses. We will begin to heal the deep divisions that exist in our country. And we will create a bright future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Happiness Starts Today - Here are some questions you can incorporate into your next conversation at work or among friends:

1. What are you most passionate about right now in your professional or personal life; and why does that get you excited? Who else do you feel shares your passion?
2. What is your greatest hope for the future?
3. Other than yourself and your family, who would like to help most by the work you are now doing?
4. If you could ask anyone for a favor, who would you ask? Why would you ask them? If someone came to you for a favor, what do you think they would ask you for? 
5. What is the number one thing we can do to improve the way we create value for one another in the next month or year?