Reducing political tension with productive workplace dialogues

The U.S. general election is less than two weeks away, and in our divisive political environment space for open dialogues that advance a conversation are especially welcome. However, when conflict does arise, communicators need to know how to cool the situation down.

In a talk during the Ragan Webinar “Navigating the Crossroads: How to Steer Comms Through Political Waters,” Joy Vergara, assistant vice chancellor for student engagement at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), emphasized how communicators can fully grasp their role in any conflict to best de-escalate it and preserve a sense of organizational culture.

“Understanding your role in the situation is key to ensuring a safe space,” she said.

Here’s what stood out during Vergara’s talk.

Expecting the unexpected and knowing how to respond