Leading Through Tragedy: Navigating Grief, Division, and Dignity in the Workplace

Some weeks, the news doesn't stay outside the workplace, it walks right in the front door with us.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has left many stunned, heartbroken, angry, or confused. Whether you agreed with his views or not, his death - so public, so violent, so politically and emotionally charged - has created ripples across communities, including our own teams.

And sadly, this isn’t an isolated event. It’s part of a growing pattern we’re seeing around the world. People are being threatened, attacked, or even killed because others strongly disagree with their beliefs, convictions, or the role they play in public life. It’s not just happening in the U.S., and it’s not limited to political figures - journalists, faith leaders, judges, and even everyday citizens have become targets.

As leaders, we don’t get the luxury of ignoring hard moments like this. And we certainly don’t get to pretend they don’t affect our people. Whether it’s a violent act that sparks global headlines, a tragedy unfolding in your local community, or a deeply personal loss that affects one of your team members, these moments demand more from us as leaders. Not louder voices, not rushed opinions, but courage, empathy, and compassion. Our teams don’t just need us to get through the day. They need us to be steady, human-centered, and emotionally present in the moments that feel the most uncertain.

Some of your team members may be grieving deeply. Others may be indifferent. And some may even feel relief due to their personal beliefs. That’s the reality of leading humans with diverse experiences, values, and perspectives.

So, how do we lead in times like these? When emotions are high, tensions are bubbling, and the world feels fragile?

We do what we always do as courageous, present, whole-hearted leaders:
We hold space, set boundaries, and lead with integrity.

Moments like this are not about what you personally believe. It’s about how you lead when your team is experiencing collective disruption, no matter where each person falls on the spectrum of belief.

It’s also about something deeper: preserving our humanity in the midst of ideological division.

HOW TO: Leading Through Divided Grief

Here are five ways to lead when your team is emotionally divided by a public tragedy:

1. Acknowledge the Moment

Don’t pretend it didn’t happen. You don’t have to make a political statement, but you can acknowledge that a tragedy occurred and that people may be feeling many things.

Example:
“I know this week’s news has impacted many of you in different ways. I want you to know this is a safe space to feel and process, whatever that looks like for you.”

2. Make Space Without Forcing It

Not everyone wants to talk about it but some might. Offer opportunities for processing (whether that’s a quiet moment in a meeting, optional time off, or a private conversation), without making it mandatory or performative.

3. Reinforce Respect and Psychological Safety

Remind your team of your values. In HERverse, we believe in being REAL, HERE, MORE, and BOLD which includes respecting each other’s beliefs, even when we don’t agree.

Tip: Model this by the way you talk about the news. Be calm, compassionate, and curious - not combative.

4. Watch for Grief Behavior in Disguise

Grief doesn’t always look like tears. It can show up as distraction, irritation, sarcasm, or disengagement. Don’t assume someone’s behavior is rebellion because it might be mourning.

5. Be Anchored in Who You Are

Before you show up for others, check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What’s coming up for you? It’s okay to grieve, reflect, or even feel confused. Let your own humanity guide your leadership and not your fear of saying the wrong thing.

CALL TO ACTION:

You don’t have to have all the right words but your team does need your presence. Be the leader who creates space for both grief and grace. Start by asking: “How can I make room for humanity without compromising our values?”

And remember: in a divided world, leaders like you who lead with compassion, courage, and clarity are exactly what the world need right now.

If you need a space, someone to make room for you to process, grieve or share your feelings, please know my door is always open for you. 

-Kristie Clayton
HERverse Founder
#HERthoughts