The problem affecting our politics and our workplaces with Wilk Wilkinson | Ep 107

Welcome to the DesuckifyWork® podcast. The show where we cut through the BS and find ways to make work more fun, more human and less ridiculous. All of which makes your business more profitable, by the way. Today’s episode is a part of the ProHuman Series, in partnership with the ProHuman Foundation, where Wilk is an advisor.

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What if the problem with our politics is also the problem with our workplaces?

Our inability to truly see the people around us, keeping us from doing anything meaningful.

They’re far right, far left, too hardline, too accommodating, stupid, evil, “the problem.”

They’re account, creative, production, legal, stupid, clueless, “the problem.”

What if “us vs. them” became “what can I learn from someone I disagree with?”

Wilk Wilkinson is trying to make this “what if” real, with his podcast “Derate the Hate,” as an advisor to the ProHuman Foundation and in his role as Director of Media Operations at Braver Angels.

The key is focusing on shared purpose. Something I find a lot of common ground on when I talk with folks I disagree with politically.

And something that workplaces need to do a much better job of creating. What was the purpose at most of ad agencies I’ve worked at? No idea. And that’s a problem.

I invite each listener to start by getting clear on your own purpose. In life and at work. Why do you show up each day? What would the best day look like? What would the worst?

Once you answer those questions, start talking to the folks around you. And more importantly, start listening.

00:00 The Intersection of Politics and Workplaces
03:12 Finding Purpose in Work
05:58 Balancing Work and Family Life
09:14 Navigating Difficult Work Experiences
11:53 Emotional Intelligence and Mindset Shifts
15:11 The Importance of Perspective in Work
18:03 Engaging in Difficult Conversations
21:07 Understanding Common Humanity
24:12 The Role of Identity in Conversations
26:47 Building Bridges Through Listening
41:14 The Overton Window and Trust in Society
43:12 Reforming Institutions vs. Abandoning Them
45:39 The Importance of Trust in Institutions
49:33 Engaging as Citizens for Better Institutions
52:04 Braver Angels: Bridging Divides in Society
57:24 Workplace Dynamics and Team Identity
01:03:38 Creating Meaningful Work Environments
01:06:20 Leaving a Positive Mark on the World
01:09:29 Conversations We Need to Have
01:10:50 Finding Purpose in Work

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