We love Pride Month and its many celebrations. We have so much to be thankful for in the progress made through the dramatic evolution of public opinion over the last thirty years and recognition of the rights of gay couples in the 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges. Inclusive workplaces are more productive and have become widely considered to be a financial imperative for successful businesses, not just for justice or philanthropy.
Despite this “rational choice” probability originally championed by Adam Smith, a small minority of racist and homophobic Americans have been given an outsized voice by the current Trump and Republican administration, requiring business professionals to grapple with making important long term decisions in the face of adversity from a powerful few and short sighted policies in many political circles. Although each business case is different, we urge all our friends to keep their eyes on the ball and focus on primary data, not the noise of the few loudest voices.
Behavioral economics is built on the premise of human error, in large part due to subconscious biases. Incorporate this into actions every day that affect those around you and all the stakeholders of your business. Significant errors by major players in politics and business often present the opportunities of a lifetime for those with patience and insight.
At a personal level, take the extra time to reflect on the impact of your message and delivery style in every interaction with those around you, and actively seek frequent feedback on the quality of your delivery and your understanding of the message.
LGBTQ+ “rights in the United States are among the most advanced in the world” and did not get to this point without significant effort and struggle. We must continue to actively support a more inclusive world that is protected by equality and the rule of law. Use Pride Month to share your views with business associates and friends and speak out against injustice.
