Ragan Webinar

Navigating the Crossroads: How to Steer Comms Through Political Waters

Wednesday, Aug 14, 2024 2-3:30 p.m. ET
Hero data graphic
Hero data graphic

At the height of an election season, internal communicators have a pivotal role in maintaining a harmonious work environment amidst a heated political climate. Join us for this critical Ragan webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 14th, where we will delve into the strategies and best practices needed to navigate this complex intersection.

Throughout this 90-minute event, you'll learn how to set guidelines for acceptable political discussions and discover practical techniques to defuse heated conversations, such as using active listening and neutral language to de-escalate tensions. Learn how to align your communications with company culture and corporate values by developing consistent messaging and engaging leadership to model appropriate behaviors. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the insights and tools needed to maintain a respectful and cohesive workplace environment.

Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 14th from 2-3:30 PM ET!

Our 1.5-hour program will give you quick insights, practical strategies and a playbook for your internal comms team to implement right away.

AGENDA

2:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Establishing and Upholding Workplace Guidelines

In today's polarized political climate, establishing a respectful and inclusive workplace is more important than ever. This is not just a challenge faced in the U.S. but a global issue, impacting companies with international locations. By setting, enforcing and monitoring comprehensive guidelines, you'll be able to develop clear policies on acceptable political discussions, implement fair and consistent enforcement methods, and explore effective monitoring practices to ensure compliance while respecting personal freedoms. Additionally, you'll learn the crucial role your company plays in taking a stand and guiding the C-suite through these complex times. You’ll gain the keys to:

  • Develop Clear Policies: Learn how to create clear guidelines on acceptable political discussions and behaviors in the workplace, ensuring they are relevant across different cultural contexts globally.
  • Enforcement Mechanisms: Discover fair and consistent methods for policy enforcement that can be applied internationally, respecting diverse legal and cultural environments.
  • Monitoring Implementation: Explore tools and best practices to ensure guidelines are followed while respecting personal freedoms, no matter the location. Learn how to tailor these tools to monitor and manage political discussions in a way that is sensitive to global differences.
  • Lead by Example: Understand how to guide the C-suite in taking a stand on political issues responsibly, considering both local and global impacts, and setting a tone that aligns with the company’s values worldwide.
Internal Communications Lead
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Read bio
2:30 – 2:50 PM ET
Defusing Conflict in Workplace Dialogues

It’s nearly impossible to avoid a topic like the 2024 election, the candidates, the issues and the impact of its results on the American public and beyond. Learn how to keep the peace in this season with conflict resolution training, creating politic-free zones and times, and tips to address conflict promptly and maintain a harmonious workplace  We’ll uncover:

  • Conflict Resolution Techniques: Learn how to navigate politically charged conversations in the workplace, such as addressing differing opinions on company policies or current events, to maintain productivity and harmony.
  • Communication Skills: Enhance your ability to navigate sensitive topics with active listening and finesse, whether it's discussing political viewpoints, addressing misunderstandings between team members, or managing disagreements with clients or stakeholders.
  • Mediation Support: Gain insights into mediation services and techniques to effectively de-escalate conflicts, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where diverse perspectives are respected and understood.
  • Lessons from College Campuses: Discover effective de-escalation techniques amidst political demonstrations and protests and learn how to establish clear protocols and manage communications, with a focus on providing effective training and staffing to handle both internal and external dynamics.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Read bio
2:50 – 3:30 PM ET
PANEL DISCUSSION
Integrating Strategies for a Cohesive Workplace

The guidelines and the dialogue paired with integration strategies creates a three-pronged, step-by-step approach for fostering a cohesive workplace. Join our expert panel as they detail practical applications and real-world examples. This interactive session will cover:

  • Applying Guidelines in Real Situations: Hear from panelists about their experiences implementing clear policies on political discussions and behaviors, and learn how to adapt these strategies to different cultural contexts globally.
  • Effective Enforcement and Monitoring: Discuss the challenges and successes of enforcing and monitoring guidelines, and explore tools and practices that have been effective in various organizational settings.
  • Leadership's Role in Navigating Politics: Learn how to advise and support the C-suite in taking stands on political issues that align with the company's values and global presence.
  • Conflict Resolution in Action: Hear stories and real-life examples of successful conflict resolution in the workplace with insights into how to navigate politically charged conversations and maintain harmony among employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Senior Attorney
Clark Hill Law
Read bio
Don't miss this unique opportunity!

Top 3 things you’ll learn:

  • Master techniques to defuse politically charged conversations and maintain harmony.
  • Learn how to support the C-suite in taking responsible stands on political issues.
  • Conflict resolution strategies to steer comms in a respectful direction.

PRESENTER


Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Read bio
Internal Communications Lead
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Read bio
Senior Attorney
Clark Hill Law
Read bio

MODERATOR: Alyssa Smith, Director of Event Programming, Ragan Communications READ BIO

PRICING
Join us for Navigating the Crossroads: How to Steer Comms Through Political Waters.

Rates
Registration $375
Nonprofit/Gov/Edu Registration $350
Ragan Insider Registration $325

Can't make it on August 14? All attendees will receive a recording of the webinar.

Phone registrations and group pricing: For group orders please contact our customer service team at 800-878-5331 or cservice@ragan.com

WONDERING IF YOU SHOULD ATTEND?

Here’s what past attendees are saying about Ragan and PR Daily Events!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

You should attend this webinar if you spend at least a quarter of your time in any of these areas:

Brand Management • AI Integration • Marketing • Content Strategy • Content Creation • Strategic Communications • Internal Communications • Social Media • Global Communications • Issues Management • Executive Communications • Measurement Communications • Reputation Management • Digital Communications • Public Relations • Media Relations

REGISTER NOW

For questions, please contact customer service at

CService@Ragan.com or by calling 800-878-5331.