“2 Sides, 1 Shocking Lesson: What You Need to Know From the Kamala Harris vs. Trump Showdown!”

While writing about politics isn’t my area of expertise, this week’s 2024 Presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump struck me as a powerful metaphor for the challenges we face in business. The stark divisions in viewpoints and the lack of effective communication in the debate serve as a stark reminder of the similar issues we often encounter in the business world. The gulf between the parties is also a microcosm of what we sometimes see in company cultures today.

To no one’s surprise, the debate showcased a stark division in viewpoints. Both candidates presented wildly different perspectives on America’s future, making it feel like a Rorschach test—everyone sees what they want to see. Depending on your bias, you walked away feeling like your side “won.”

The rampant calls for truth from both sides, smirks, and the inability to hear one another were on full display for over the 67 million people who tuned in. However, division and miscommunication aren’t reserved only for politics or the debate stage; they happen daily in companies and cultures nationwide.

Can You Hear Me?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned working for Oprah was the simple understanding that everyone, no matter their status in life or business, only wants to be heard. Oprah has talked for decades about this simple notion, which is rooted in this quote: “Do you hear me, and does what I say matter?” The validation that humans need to be seen or heard is fundamental to our culture and companies.

If someone has an opposing viewpoint about a business decision, and even if one you staunchly disagree with, resist the temptation to clap back and disagree. Pause, open with “I hear you,” then become curious and ask why they feel that way. Give it the respect and time a human’s opinion has in your company. Investigate why they think that way, then at the appropriate time, share your view with compassion and respect.

Adaptability Is Key to Survival

The debate reinforced both parties’ rigidity and refusal to yield or consider the other’s perspective. In the business world, this can be a death nail. Adaptability is critical to survival. Businesses that adapt to change become less rigid and have a better possibility of success, even if it means abandoning previous strategies. This adaptability is a survival tactic and key to thriving in the ever-evolving business landscape. You can harness this power to navigate change and lead your company to success.

A great example is Netflix, which pivoted from a DVD rental business to a streaming service early in its life cycle. Had Netflix’s leadership remained fixed on its original business model, it wouldn’t have become the entertainment giant they are today.

In contrast, over the same period, Blockbuster Video, which at one point had over 9,000 stores and was valued at over 5 billion dollars, dug in on the physical locations and rental market—refusing to adhere to how they could adapt to the streaming revolution that was coming. The company doesn’t exist today, as it was shut down in 2014 and has ONE store in Bend, OR. Failure to adapt leads to stagnation.

Effective Communication Skills

A prominent theme of the debate was a lack of trust—trust in government, trust in each other, and trust in institutions. Fostering and building trust is a core lesson for all businesses.

Patagonia, for example, does it better than most. The company has built a brand synonymous with environmental activism and sustainability. By aligning its corporate practices with its stated values, Patagonia has built an unshakable foundation of trust with its customers—so much so that they have set up the 1% for the planet program. It is giving back 1% of gross sales for the protection and restoration of the planet. Patagonia is clear about the company mission, fueling trust with consumers. That trust, effectively communicated and demonstrated, builds brand loyalty that you can’t buy. To foster confidence in your business, consider aligning your actions with your stated values, being transparent in your communications, and consistently delivering on your promises.

Get Out Out Of The Jar

The old saying, “You can’t read the label from inside the jar,” is a great way to remind you as a leader to encourage and gather outside points of view. When you can’t read the label, you likely fall victim to your culture’s thinking and are part of an echo chamber within your own four walls.

Echo chambers can occur when leaders surround themselves with like-minded individuals who reinforce existing opinions rather than challenge them. Much like we see in social media and the hyper-personalization on the web, Eli Pariser, the author of “The Filter Bubble,” says, “These platforms are becoming so pervasive that we may not even know what we are missing: the views and voices that challenge our thinking.”

As you think about how you want to engage more diverse voices, opinions, and feedback, resist the temptation to hold large town hall meetings or broad group sessions; instead, think about a wide enough group to make people feel included but not so big that it’s overwhelming. As you consider your path of getting out of the jar, look toward Amazon’s Two Pizza Rule for guidance.

Jeff Bezos famously limited the size of teams and meetings to ensure no one group became too dominant or dismissive. The idea is simple: teams should be small enough to be fed by two pizzas, allowing for more effective and balanced communication. If two pizzas can’t feed a team, it’s too large and may lead to ineffective communication and decision-making. By adhering to the Two Pizza Rule, you can foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, where no one voice is drowned out in favor of another.

You are much better off having multiple meetings around the Two-Pizza Rule than one huge session with an all-you-can-eat buffet!

The 2024 presidential debate reflects some of the inherent challenges we see today. The chasm between the political parties is more apparent than ever before, but use that as a lesson in your business life. Create an environment where different perspectives are valued, communication is prioritized, and trust is built. Not only will your company soar, but your growth and vision as a leader will, too.