It’s been over a week since Charlie Kirk was killed, and it’s still weighing on people, though in very different ways. In this episode, Michael Baran explains how organizations can’t ignore important events like this. He gives practical strategies for leaders, for managers, and for everyone to acknowledge realities, align on values, and connect human to human.

The killing of Charlie Kirk is weighing heavily on many people. Is that something that can be discussed at work? How should leaders handle events like this in their organizations?

While many people are feeling deep emotions about the killing, it is happening in very different ways. Some are grieving because he was an inspiration to them and a voice for many of their beliefs. Others are devastated that people are unconditionally celebrating a man who they saw as espousing beliefs and actions that were directly aimed to dehumanize them or people like them. 

In this episode of The Culture Advantage, host Michael Baran dives into the challenges of this current moment, for people and for organizations. The strong emotions don’t disappear when we go to work. They carry over, affecting our engagement, our creativity, our mental health, and our collaborations with others. Leaders wonder, “should I do anything about this? And if so, what?”

Michael draws from both his social science background and his practical experience working with organizations to give some basic, foundational guidelines for navigating these challenges.  He first explains that silence from leaders might have worked in the past, but these days authentic and humble communication is essential. 

Michael also explains how helpful it can be for organizations to embark on a journey of reconceptualizing and recommitting to the organization’s values. These values can provide a framework and a guide for handling novel situations if they are thoroughly communicated to everyone. 

A key strategy for ensuring that tensions and conflicts are addressed is to make sure that managers are thoroughly trained to be inclusive leaders, to be able to handle challenging situations in the moment with authenticity and vulnerability. He also highlights research on false polarization and deep canvassing, showing that we are not as divided as we think and that we can learn and grow and connect more than we realize.  

The conversation is both professional and deeply human, offering guidance for any workplace striving to build a culture of connection, resilience, and inclusion in turbulent times. Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or employee, this episode will help you think about how to foster trust, lower stress, and strengthen community even when the world outside feels divided and scary.