Having conversations about the realities of life and work while not talking about politics can be complex to navigate. Over the last 13 years, my team has been brought in to facilitate meaningful discussions with roomfuls of work teammates, taking special care that there is no trash-talking, polarization, or personal political views discussed. It’s challenging but possible.

This was Week 1, Session 1: Creating a Culture of Feedback for our STEP Academy for Government Leaders group coaching program. The premise is that each participant is authentic and curious, and the group rose to the occasion. Many fears and anxieties were shared about the changing landscape and unknowns. The key to success with this type of conversation at work is that people share feelings instead of opinions. If you have a team that has heightened anxiety right now and you could use a guiding light to guide you through, read on.

1. Listen fiercely. We all know that active listening is something we can turn on, and now it’s game on. If you leave feelings out of the conversations regarding paths forward, you miss an opportunity (read Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott). If we expect people to just keep a stiff upper lip, they tend to stay stuck. The only way out is through. What important questions could you be asking?

2. Your leadership presence. Enlist your support person(s) now. For you to move forward in a healthy manner, you also need a shoulder to lean on. Remember to put your oxygen mask on first. Who can you turn to? This is a given, but they should not be your direct reports. Also, right now, people are following your lead. Anxiety is contagious. But so is steadiness; how can you lean into informed calmness? Whether you like it or not, people are watching your every move for cues as to how they should operate.

3. Gratitude 301. This is not a time to be a tone-deaf Pollyanna, shallowly talking about what’s good in your life or work. However, this is a time to significantly lift others. What I saw during the pandemic is that some teams swam—they became stronger than ever, united and caring for each other like never before. While others sank—they got swallowed by the chaos, their presenting emotion was overwhelmed, and many individuals felt isolated. So, what can you do now to share deep appreciation and care for those you work with?

If you would like support navigating the Executive Orders in the changing DEI landscape and more, SHRM is a credible source that we recommend.