Sometimes, world events, large or small, take greater prominence over sharing business tips and techniques. Like many others, I am saddened by the fatalities and injuries suffered by the three heroic men in Portland. I have friends and colleagues in Portland and I used to travel there regularly on business.

It is Memorial Day in the US. Our neighboring country is honoring those who fought and continue to fight, in the name of peace. Last week, my sister, my 17-year-old nieces and I visited Ground Zero and the World Trade Center site. Perhaps it is the culmination of these that contributes to my sadness, but I believe it is more than that. It is also the lack of broad commitment to NATO at the G7 meeting. It is the shootings at a Quebec city mosque in January 2017.

The Portland men were heroes. Men and women in uniform, defending peace and dignity around the world, are heroes. Let’s stem the tide of racism, isolation and hurt in the world. We each have the opportunity to be harbingers of peace – every day.

• Make eye contact and smile at others on the street, in stores and as you pass in the halls.
• Celebrate diversity in your schools and workplaces.
• Seek first to understand and then be understood (acknowledgments: Stephen R. Covey).
• Ask your children if they or others are experiencing bullying. Talk about why it is so harmful.
• Evaluate your company orientation programs and benefit programs. Do they recognize and accommodate various religious holidays and beliefs, life stages and ages and cultural differences?
• As a leader, demonstrate and talk about the values of your corporate culture. Don’t simply supply signage or coffee mugs labeled with Integrity, Collaboration, Teamwork. As the saying goes, “Been there, done that” – people do not recognize those anymore.
• Act swiftly when an employee reports alleged harassment.
• Support healthy conflict. Encourage differences of opinion. Seek out opposing points of view. Be open to changing your mind. If you are the leader – let others see that you can be influenced by a solid argument or a compelling innovative idea.

As individuals, we sometimes forget how powerful we are. Stand for peace. Honour those in uniform, the three men in Portland, the victims of war and refugees fleeing inhumane conditions. Demonstrate compassion every day. Create a culture of tolerance in your home, your neighbourhood and in your company. This is how we will turn the tide. Please share.

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