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Talking Taboo
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Talking Taboo

Making the Most of Polarizing Discussions at Work

Alexander Alonso
SHRM, 2022

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Concrete Examples
  • Hot Topic
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Equity expert Alexander Alonso shares insights from his investigations into workplace conflict and polarization around “taboo” topics. He references data from recent Society for Human Resource Management surveys revealing the pervasiveness of difficult, emotional and even hostile conflict at work. But Alonso urges leaders to resist shutting down discussions about controversial topics such as race, religion, abortion and gun control. Instead, firms should equip their employees with skills to engage in respectful debate. Alonso offers a framework for doing so, supported by dozens of case vignettes.

Take-Aways

  • Despite lifelong warnings from parents, teachers and bosses, most people can’t resist talking about taboo topics.
  • In discussions of taboo topics, people often seek to invalidate their opponents’ thinking and beliefs.
  • When challenged, most people will take a harder line on their opinions and beliefs.

About the Author

Alexander Alonso is chief knowledge officer for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). He is a founding member of the SHRM Blue Ribbon Commission on Racial Equity in the Workplace.

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