Do Good Fences Make Good Neighbors?

Robert Frost wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors.” It was tongue in cheek, but still, I’m glad he’s not around to see our world today. 

We’re surrounded by fences these days – both those imposed by regulations and those presumed by society. First it was no hugging, no touching, no handshakes. Now there are police and protesters in the streets. Bridges and highways are closed. Businesses are being looted and, in some cases, burned to the ground. 

If you’re a CEO, or the leader of any organization, what have you done to quell the tide of uncertainty, sadness and fear that is rising by the minute in this country? What have you done to break down those fences?

Politics aside, this is about understanding your employees, what their experiences are, and what they need from you as a leader. Now. Today.

Good communications can bring solace when it’s needed most.

Already this week, we’ve crafted countless messages for CEOs, university presidents, and organizational leaders about how racism is not tolerated in their companies. Period.

And while that may not seem like much, in a time that demands real action, it is a first step. The diverse workforces, communities, and customer bases these businesses serve need to hear a voice, to understand they are safe where they work, with whom they work, and for whom they work. One email, one video, or one Zoom can make the difference.

In times like these, people want leaders who connect with them, who understand everyone feels differently about what’s happening around them, but that everyone is safe.  

It’s time to connect. To empathize. Because good fences do not make good neighbors.  Good communication does.