Just keeping it professional doesn’t cut it anymore. In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Natalie Norfus and Shanté Gordon continue the conversation from their last episode, moving from the “why” to the “how” of handling unavoidable political and sensitive conversations in the workplace.

Natalie and Shanté acknowledge the new reality: everything feels political in 2025. Issues of identity, safety, livelihood, and belonging have all become part of the workplace experience. Leaders and employers can no longer rely on outdated best practices like “no politics at work.” The truth? Conversations are happening whether you allow them or not.

The real question is: How do you create a container for these conversations that supports your people and protects your culture?

Spoiler: It starts with clarity, continues with training, and succeeds through intentional action.

In this episode, we explore:

Key Takeaways:

• Avoidance isn’t a strategy. Conversations about politics and identity are already happening. Ignoring them won’t make them disappear — but intentional structure can prevent chaos.

• Your managers are on the front lines. Without proper tools, they’ll feel stuck in the middle. Train and empower them, so they don’t feel like they’re set up to fail.

• If you create spaces for dialogue, do it well. Vague sessions with no clear outcome erode trust. Clarity and professional facilitation are non-negotiable.

• Concerns need a clear home. Without clear escalation paths, problems will explode in ways you can’t control. Make sure employees know exactly where to go — and follow up.

• Leadership stamina matters. Brace yourself: more issues are coming. Build resilience, focus on what you can control, and don’t take it personally.

🎙️ Natalie & Shanté’s Advice:

Set the standard. Train your managers. Create spaces intentionally. Handle feedback like a pro. You’ll save yourself (and your team) time, stress, and plenty of future headaches.

Follow & Connect with us:

• Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/. 
• Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/. 
• Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/. 
• Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/. 
• Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil. 

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