Why All the Intolerance?

Since the announcement of the Roe v. Wade decision being overturned, I have been struggling.  Thinking back on the events of the past 2.5 years – pandemic, George Floyd, the election, January 6^th, ‘don’t say gay’, Ukraine, shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, Roe v. Wade – a common theme stands out…intolerance. 

Why?  Why all the intolerance in our society? 

We’ve all heard of the Golden Rule – treat others as you wish to be treated.  In the Bible, we are told to ‘love our neighbor as ourselves.’  The following line stood out to me from a recent devotion: But being “neighbor” is not just doing the right thing—but being the right thing. 

I think it is safe to say that the Golden Rule and intolerance don’t go together.  We can also conclude that to truly ‘live’ by the Golden Rule requires more than just words – it demands action.  But something is getting in the way of positive actions…fear. 

For some reason, fear is running rampant in people.  Some are so afraid of anything different from them that they act in ways that are egregious.  Fear is creating hate and overtaking love in the hearts of a lot of people.  And that is scary. 

So what do we do?  How can we combat this?  I believe we can set an example through action – show love, show tolerance, show acceptance.  Step outside of ourselves and do something for the benefit of others.  Be kind.  This can be done in big and small ways – open the door for someone, volunteer in your community, lend a listening ear, ask someone if they are okay or need help, donate money or goods.  The possibilities are endless and the benefits are even greater. 

What about intolerance in the workplace?  How do we combat that?  This is an area of opportunity for HR.  And not unlike the suggestions above, we can lead by example.  By displaying positive actions toward our fellow employees, we can promote a culture of tolerance.  Even the smallest gestures can yield big results – take the time to talk with employees and listen closely, get to know people on a personal level, offer to assist an employee who is struggling, check in with new hires (not just to check the box!).  Being genuine and allowing a safe space for employees to be their authentic selves speaks volume for tolerance. 

On the flip side, we in HR also have to help our leaders and managers to draw the line in the sand against intolerance.  Organizations have to take a stand when behavior is unacceptable.  Why?  Two reasons – (1) it’s the right thing to do, and (2) allowing poor behavior to continue is a legal liability for an employer.  Think about all of the companies who issued public statements in the past two years in response to significant events (i.e. George Floyd, Black Lives Matter) and consider all of those who were silent.  The public backlashing was astounding.  We know from various data points that today’s employees want to be a part of something bigger than themselves; people are seeking purpose in their work.  Companies that allow behaviors of intolerance toward people are going to lose out in the competition for talent.  And may even wind up in court. 

If you’re like me, you’re tired of the intolerance.  And you’re searching for answers.  For today, I can attest that I am seeking out ways to display position actions in the spirit of the Golden Rule.  What are you doing today to combat intolerance?