Is the workplace becoming a non-free speech zone?

Sante,

I'd agree that there is a tipping point at which respect for diversity and encouragement for inclusiveness goes to the "Dark Side". The ostracism of radical thinkers and comedians at universities is one unfortunate example of this.

This is another case where we see the benefits of a long standing team. If I know who you are, I see beyond what or how you say something. On the other hand, if I have little understanding of your true intent, I am more likely to be sensitive to what you are saying or how you say it.

In Canada, we've had a very publicly visible example of this recently in sports. There are those who'd say that the person in question is bigoted and meant what he said and how he said it whereas others are willing to see beyond the words to their perception of the true intent underneath.

Kiron

Dear Sante

Since when are companies and organizations systematically included in the decision-making process?

Since when are people asked to plan their work (as a team) and do it according to their priorities?

How do you define this new approach to work and the way you work?

That's surprising Thomas, I thought most of Europe had lost the free speech fight also.

Not talking about Europe in general, one of my current workspaces is the PMI Board and we strive to be open, honest and some can be blunt. As any Board we show divergent thinking, and convergent to come to conclusions (basicly design thinking).

As a German I follow the principle honesty before respect (but both are important).

Are there setbacks? Yes. Resilience is needed, I was also mobbed in my career.

In the end, as a leader, I am responsible for my team‘s culture and to protect them from atrocities. I am teaching at a university too and do not need much dealing with the system. My team are my students.

There is characterization by Adam Grant putting team players along the axes giver/taker and agreeable/disagreeable. What a team needs are disagreeable givers. One example is Dr. House from the TV series. If you have too many agreeable takers you have to work on the team and culture.

Now your university role must be interesting with regard to free speech. Are you saying you are free to say what you want, not just to your students, but to any other lecturers and administrators?

I do not talk much with them. Not saying they have too many politics, I just do not know and do not care. My clients are the students.
So I survived since 2002.

Ricardo Vargas has a nice article about who leads in an organization
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-organi...do-viana-vargas

@Luis, I'm struggling to relate any of those questions to the topic.

@Eric, perhaos I should have said: "No, but in the absence of contrary evidence, that is what I went with."