What To Say.
This article is part of Finding the Words, a newsletter that delivers practical insights on the day’s issues.
In Stoic philosophy, the most important practice is differentiating between what we can change and what we can’t. We can’t always control what happens, but we can control how we respond.
The next President of the United States has been chosen.
Now, you choose how to respond.
As you consider that response—to your team, your children, or the public if warranted— consider this:
Today will be a devastating day for half of America. It was expected to be this way regardless of who won the presidency. While the results may not be as many hoped, here’s what we know: the democratic process worked as it should. Nationwide, we once again experienced a free, fair, and safe election process. That incredible feature of our democracy should not be lost on us this morning.
Here are a few additional considerations as you choose how to respond:
1. Choose to Respond with Empathy. The democratic process isn’t perfect, but last night it worked as intended. Remember that in many parts of the world, the power to choose a leader is not an option. We may not agree on who is best to lead our country, but we can choose to find common ground with one another.
I have been inspired by the work of Search for Common Ground. Their practical "50 Things Anyone Can Do" guide empowers people to create connections and strengthen communities, no matter where they stand politically. Consider drawing from it in the coming days with your team.
2. Choose to Respond with Peace. As Dr. John Paul Lederach shared recently on the Mission Forward podcast, the antidote to escalating tensions lies not in grand pronouncements but in the quiet power of human connection. Stay engaged, even when the path forward seems uncertain. The future of our democracy rests not in the hands of politicians or pundits, but in the possibility of peace, "one conversation, one relationship, one pocket at a time.”
3. Choose to Listen Before You Respond. Beyond political commentators and pundits, listen with all your might to understand how those around you are doing today. Emotions will be mixed, and you will engage with more than one person today who didn’t vote like you. Remember, we are connected by many things other than politics. Today, look for those commonalities.
Here at Mission Partners, our executive team has been hosting daily coffee connections to check in with our colleagues. We’re using that time to listen and learn how the team is doing and to collectively discuss how to support our clients through this time. Listening for and acknowledging that emotions following an election are valid—and that they can feel distracting—reinforces that you care and shows that you are willing to understand how your team is feeling.
4. And, Choose to Move Forward. As Yogi Berra believed, we can move forward, regardless of the direction. Your values won’t change with the selection of the U.S. President. Rather, the outcome may require that you live your values more explicitly as you lead your team forward. There is no going back. You can and will move forward from here.
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Finally, take a deep breath and remember: What you say and do today matters. What you do tomorrow and in the days after matters too. Be careful not to hypothesize about what may happen next. Promote calm, a commitment to your mission and values, and a willingness to rise from this, together.
Bottom Line: On a morning like this, it is easy to feel either frozen by the news or fried by the arduous election process. Choose carefully what you say today and, in the days to follow. There is no going back and today, you can choose to move forward.
This post is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.
