The workplace: A frontier for bipartisan progress

Nearly half of Americans believe that we will see a civil war in the United States in our lifetime. As a corporate leader of a large, diverse team that operates across the United States, I am simultaneously horrified by this and hopeful that it will not come to fruition.

The workplace gives me a window into the relationships that are at stake if our country further divides. It also gives me hope that relationships can hold us together, two people at a time.  

I met my colleague Ted last year. We are a generation apart. I’m a city girl. He’s a country guy. I’ve never voted Republican. I doubt he’s ever voted for a Democrat. We both call ourselves Christian, while our similar faith identities guide distinct political choices.

Ted and I met at a company-sponsored volunteer week, swinging hammers and painting bold yellow safety lines on the floor of a Habitat for Humanity warehouse in rural Kaua’i. Amidst bruised thumbs (mine) and splattered paint (also mine) we talked about our opposing views on social issues.

We also shared tears about loved ones lost and pride for the purpose of our company, Thrivent, where Ted is a 41-year veteran financial advisor, and I am a relatively new executive. Ted and I came away knowing that, despite differences, we have many more values that we share, including our passion for service and community-building among colleagues.

We’ve stayed in touch. Ted has both questioned and complimented my marketing team’s work in how we are evolving telling Thrivent’s story in our advertising. He’s also graciously welcomed my family at corporate events.

Post-election day

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, I knew it might be difficult for many colleagues—regardless of how they voted—to show up for work the morning after the election. As soon as I arrived, an email came in from Ted. “Good Mornin’ Sunshine!!!” read the subject.

One could bristle at seeing that, but I did not. Seeing this come from Ted is like seeing it come from my favorite uncle. I smile as I open the message. Ted was not writing to gloat. He didn’t even mention the election.

He was writing to offer thoughts on an article on Thrivent’s intranet site highlighting veterans’ work. He discussed Thanksgiving plans and wished my family well. He was making an authentic connection despite political divisiveness around us and demonstrating genuine care.

In a world where we are increasingly sucked into echo chambers of our individual beliefs, the workplace remains a place where we can connect with people with different beliefs and recognize that it is possible not only to work together, but to do work together.

For those of us lucky enough to work at a purpose-based and values-driven company, now is the time to lean into those strengths, focus on growth and the impact we have, even amidst differences.

Everyone should belong at work

Thrivent is a Fortune 500 financial services company whose purpose is to empower lives of service and faith. It is a unique organization that faces cultural challenges of divisiveness just like any large corporation today. Regardless of politics, I want Thrivent to continue to be a place where both Ted and I belong.

I read Ted’s email and thought about this for a moment, and then about my team, and our upcoming day—today of all days—of team building that had been on the calendar for months. I sent them an email with the subject “Taking on the day.” In it, I included the following:

I am cognizant of how divisive our country is right now, and how divided we are, and how, regardless of the outcome of the election, we would all be among people who are hurting and worried today.

I know you all care about this team just as I do. I was thinking about our shared values at Thrivent and how relevant they can be as guiding principles for how we get through tough days together:

Empathy—recognize that we all have our own emotional journeys today and be there for one another

Authenticity—don’t be afraid to be real with each other, and know that that realness will be met with empathy

Commitment—keep moving forward and look for opportunities to serve, and live into the community that we want to be a part of

Impact—recognize the strength of our collective effort, and the good that we can do in the world when we focus our energy together 

Gratitude—even on the difficult days, take comfort in all the gifts that we have, including the gift of each other

These are Thrivent’s values. They are not the values of Republicans or Democrats, red states or blue. At work—at my work—they rally us despite forces that could otherwise divide. There are many corporations whose purpose and values put them squarely on one side of a social issue. Most large organizations, though, do not have a purpose that puts them on one end of a political spectrum or another, and, therefore, can be a place where people can work together to have impact despite political differences.    

In the worldview that Ted and I share, our greatest role in work, and life, is to love one another. There is no room for civil war in this worldview. Using shared purpose and values at work is a unifier that helps us find love for all.

Let’s get to work. 

Carolyn Sakstrup is EVP and chief growth and generosity officer at Thrivent.