What Happens If Trump/Harris/Nobody Wins?
What Happens If Trump/Harris/Nobody Wins?
The authority on mixternal communications
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Millions of Americans have already cast their ballots. The U.S. presidential election is well underway.
Your colleagues, a.k.a. citizens, may be on edge, regardless of which team they’re on.
The country is on tenterhooks.
Given recent history it’s fair to assume the days—possibly weeks—following Nov. 5 (election day) may be tense, chaotic, anxious, euphoric, possibly (let’s pray otherwise) violent, or a mix of all of the above.
🚨 Is your exec comms team ready?
I’ve wrapped the knuckles of readers who were unprepared for telegraphed events:
Shame on any Comms pro who wasn’t prepared with a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If you follow the news, you had months to prepare for that—we literally watched tanks line up on the border. And shame on anyone who went into a reactive mode when SCOTUS decimated Roe v. Wade. The decision was literally published weeks in advance.
Don’t be caught unprepared for what happens Nov. 6, the day after. There are several possible outcomes to the presidential election, among them:
One candidate wins outright and the loser cedes victory
The race is too close to call and the outcome is delayed by days or weeks
One candidate wins while the other denies the results and lord knows what happens next
Or I don’t know... I can’t go there right now...
In light of these possibilities, I drafted a few notes👇 from a generic CEO to employees, which you can use as springboards for your executive communications.
Before that, a few thoughts on what to avoid:
Dissuade your exec from grandiose language and quoting MLK, Lincoln, Tocqueville, etc. It’s an employee email, not a speech at the Washington Monument.
Avoid revealing personal political views or feelings about the outcome—stay strictly neutral and focused on business continuity and employees’ well-being.
Avoid making predictions or promises about how either outcome might affect the company—stick to what the exec can actually control.
And no, I don’t recommend execs publish their wisdom on social media, regardless of the outcome. (🍿 There will be a few train wrecks to watch, no doubt.)
First Things First
Some ideas:
Pause all social media for election week.
Check your tone. If you have messages scheduled to go next week—rethink them. If they must go, double-check the wording and timing so it doesn’t sound tone-deaf to what’s happening. Rewrite the top if you have to. Reschedule the messages for another week or postpone them indefinitely.
Ditto to the above if there is a meeting. Have the speakers acknowledge the current state of the election and point to company resources circulating to help employees manage the stress. Be kind.
Remind employees about company resources that can help with stress, such as counseling and employee resource groups. Remind them that their well-being is important to the company.
Make space for employees to connect, whether in person (a dedicated conference room) or in chatrooms and video conference rooms. Be sure to have some sort of monitoring in place to ensure the conversation is respectful.
For larger companies much of the above can’t happen without close coordination with your peers in HR, Security, Exec Comms, and other stakeholders. Lead where your team should (with communication) and let them do their thing.
Lastly, feel free to draw inspiration from my comments and examples on other politically charged events (🔒):
Should We Say Something About SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action?
When Should We Say Something About Social Issues? A Way Forward.
And now, the sample memos:
Uncertain Outcome (v. 1: short version)
Team,
I know the uncertainty around the election results has many of you feeling on edge. That's completely understandable. But I want you to know that our company's commitment to you and our mission remains rock solid, no matter what happens.
Our democratic system has endured for centuries, and I am confident it will continue to do so. In the meantime, I ask that we treat each other with extra kindness and understanding. Now, more than ever is a time to come together in common purpose.
If you're feeling anxious or need someone to talk to, please reach out to your manager or our HR team. We're here to support you.
I'm proud to work alongside all of you. Let's keep our focus on taking care of our customers and each other.
Onward,
Uncertain Outcome (v. 2: medium)
Team,
I'm sure many of you, like me, are feeling a sense of uncertainty and unease about the current state of the presidential election. With no clear winner declared, I know this can be a stressful and unsettling time.
However, I want to assure you that our company's operations will continue uninterrupted. Our commitment to you, our customers, and our mission remains unwavering, no matter the outcome.
America's democratic institutions have weathered contested elections before. While the process may be messy, I believe our system of checks and balances will prevail. In the meantime, I ask that we all stay focused on our work and treat each other with patience and kindness.
If you're feeling anxious or need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or our HR team. We're here to support you during this time.
I'm proud to work alongside all of you. Together, we will continue moving our company and our country forward.
Uncertain Outcome (v. 3: long version)
Dear Colleagues,
Like many of you, I've been following the election results closely, and I understand the range of emotions many are experiencing right now.
I want to acknowledge that elections—particularly ones as consequential as this—can create uncertainty and anxiety. Your concerns are valid, and I want you to know our company stands ready to support you during this time.
What I can assure you of is this: our mission, values, and commitment to you remain unwavering. We have weathered many transitions as a country and as a company, and we will navigate this one together. Our focus remains on serving our customers, supporting each other, and continuing the important work we do every day.
A few key points I want to emphasize:
Our workplace remains a space where every employee, regardless of their political views, deserves and will receive respect
Our business continuity plans are robust and well-tested
Our commitment to following all applicable laws and regulations remains absolute
Our employee assistance programs are available 24/7 if you need support
In times like these, I'm reminded of what makes our company strong: our diversity of thought, our respect for each other, and our ability to come together despite our differences. These qualities mirror the best of what America represents.
I encourage everyone to be patient as the democratic process unfolds. Remember to treat each other with extra kindness and understanding in the coming days. If you need support or have concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or HR.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our work and each other.
Together, we will move forward.
If Trump or Harris Is Declared the Winner
Note: This is tricky to get right because your employee base is likely more purple than it is red or blue. Don’t alienate the minority by gloating. Unless you work for a company that is staunchly one-sided (e.g., Patagonia, Hobby Lobby), it’s best to walk right down the middle.
Team,
[Candidate Name; add something about the historic moment if Kamala Harris wins] has been declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election. While I know many of you may have hoped for a different outcome, I ask that we all come together in the spirit of democracy and national unity.
Our country has faced contentious elections before, and our democratic institutions have always prevailed. Now is the time to put aside our differences and focus on the work ahead.
I am confident our company will continue to thrive regardless of who occupies the White House. Our mission, values, and commitment to you remain steadfast.
In the days and weeks ahead, I encourage everyone to treat each other with empathy and respect. If you're feeling overwhelmed, please don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or our HR team for support.
Together, we will move forward, focused on serving our customers and contributing to the well-being of our community.
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Disclaimer: Besides running Mister Editorial I am the editor-in-chief of Digital Publications at Lam Research. The views in this newsletter are my own.