We’re proud to share that Tina Hamilton, founder and CEO of myHR Partner was recently featured in Inc. on the Entrepreneurs' Organization channel. In her latest article, Tina explores how today’s leaders can foster trust, empathy, and civility in the workplace—even amid growing division and uncertainty in the world around us.
👉 Read the full article on Inc.:
How to Lead with Trust in Challenging Times
Creating Respectful, Collaborative Workplaces
In her Inc. feature, Tina shares a story about a client meeting that began as a problem-solving discussion but quickly became tense after a sarcastic comment about another department. The exchange wasn’t malicious, but it created discomfort—and revealed how easily disrespectful tones can infiltrate even healthy workplaces.
Tina explains that this mirrors a larger trend: the normalization of combative communication in public life. When people see conflict modeled as the default, they may unconsciously bring that same energy into the workplace. But she emphasizes that leaders have the power to set a different tone—one rooted in civility, understanding, and collaboration.
“While the outside world may feel increasingly divided, the workplace doesn’t have to follow suit,” Tina writes. “In fact, the workplace can be a model of civility, empathy, and collaboration.”
Why Respect Requires Courage in Conflict
Respectful leadership doesn’t mean avoiding disagreement. It means approaching conflict with empathy, fairness, and composure. When leaders and teams handle tension with professionalism instead of blame, conflict can become a catalyst for growth, innovation, and trust.
Employees today face mounting pressures in and outside of work. In that environment, respectful communication and conflict resolution create stability, belonging, and psychological safety. When people feel heard and valued, engagement and retention naturally rise.
Learn how our team supports leaders in building cultures of respect and accountability that strengthen collaboration and connection.
Tina’s Six Strategies for Leading with Respect
Tina outlines six actionable ways leaders can promote respect and civility across their teams:
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Define respect clearly and positively.
Respect is not simply the absence of conflict. It is the presence of kindness, curiosity, and professionalism. Make those expectations clear in your code of conduct and communication standards.
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Empower managers to lead with empathy.
Managers are culture carriers. Equip them with training in emotional intelligence, active listening, and conflict resolution.
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Create safe spaces for open dialogue.
Build trust by offering channels for honest conversation—listening sessions, team check-ins, or anonymous feedback options.
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Model respect at every level.
Leaders must embody the behaviors they expect. Demonstrate calm communication, fairness, and compassion, even when under pressure.
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Approach conflict as an opportunity for growth.
Conflict can be constructive when handled respectfully. Encourage curiosity and shared understanding instead of blame.
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Follow up with care.
After a disagreement or tense moment, check in to ensure that relationships are repaired and lessons are learned.
For more on empowering managers and shaping workplace culture, explore our HR Management Services designed to help leaders model empathy and respect across their organizations.
Tips for Managers Navigating Conflict
Managers often feel caught in the middle—responsible for resolving tension while maintaining team morale. Tina offers these four actionable tips to help managers navigate conflict with confidence and care:
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Stay calm and neutral. Focus on behaviors, not personalities, and avoid taking sides.
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Encourage “I” statements. Coach employees to express feelings without blame. For example: “I felt unheard in that meeting” instead of “You always ignore me.”
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Set clear boundaries. Make it clear that diverse opinions are welcome, but disrespect is not.
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Follow up thoughtfully. Revisit the issue after resolution to ensure accountability and healing.
These small actions build big trust and remind teams that respect is something we practice, not just preach.
A Culture of Civility Is a Competitive Advantage
In a world where division often dominates the headlines, the workplace can be a beacon of unity. When organizations prioritize respect and civility, they unlock the full potential of their people. Collaboration improves, innovation accelerates, and employees feel proud of where they work.
At myHR Partner, we help companies nationwide turn respect and communication into strategic strengths. Through our outsourced HR services, we help leaders manage employee relations, resolve conflict, and build workplaces where civility and performance go hand in hand. Reach out to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to receive a personalized recommendation regarding ways you can leverage outsourced HR to grow your business.
