In this episode with Wade Hinton, we explore the art of bridge building and leading through values. Wade explains why organizational values often look good on paper but fail in practice, and how leaders can bridge the gap with authenticity, curiosity, and alignment. We discuss the importance of transparency, empathy, and active listening, showing how these skills strengthen both organizational culture and personal relationships at home and in communities.

Key Takeaways:

Bridge building starts with understanding others – You don’t have to agree with everyone to work well with them. What matters is taking the time to understand how they see the world and what matters to them. Empathy is about listening without judgment and recognizing the reasons behind someone else’s thoughts or actions.

Being open and honest builds trust – Leaders don’t need to have all the answers. Sharing what you know and what you don’t know creates safety for others to do the same. When people see honesty and openness in leaders, they feel safer to share ideas and speak up.

Curiosity beats certainty – Acting like you know everything can shut down communication and new ideas. When leaders and team members approach conversations with curiosity, asking questions and wanting to understand, it allows for more creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Creating space for honest dialogue matters – Whether it’s about returning to the office, working from home, or DEI initiatives, people need safe spaces to share different perspectives without fear of being judged or labeled. When leaders make room for openness, organizations grow stronger.

Belonging often outweighs being right – People carry their core values, beliefs, and the influence of their communities into every interaction. In polarized or diverse environments, individuals may defend their views to maintain connection and avoid exclusion. Understanding this helps leaders and teams create space for dialogue without forcing agreement, focusing on empathy and connection over “winning” an argument.

Active listening can prevent conflict – Taking the time to really hear someone’s point of view, including the feelings behind it, can stop misunderstandings before they start. Listening with care helps create stronger connections and better solutions.

Curiosity uncovers common ground – By listening to understand, leaders and team members can discover shared core values, even when backgrounds, beliefs, and expressions differ. Recognizing these commonalities fosters connection and belonging, while also clarifying when values diverge, allowing thoughtful decisions about next steps without forcing agreement.

Helpful Resources:

• Align values with actions – Organizations and leaders must ensure that the values they promote are reflected in daily practice. When stated values differ from actions, trust erodes and talent may feel disconnected. Revisiting and reassessing values regularly ensures they remain relevant to changing culture, technology, and community needs.

• Lead with curiosity and appreciation – The way you show up in personal and professional relationships shapes connection and trust. In families, take time to listen and understand your children or partners, focusing on what matters to them and revisiting shared values.

• See, listen, and connect with curiosity – Everyone wants to be seen, heard, and validated. By asking about someone’s background and beliefs, you create space for understanding and connection. Practicing curiosity at home and at work helps build empathy, opens opportunities for mutual learning, and often reveals that people are not as different as they seem.

About Wade Hinton

Wade Hinton is a leadership and culture expert, award-winning lawyer, and CEO of Hinton & Company, helping executives, boards, and organizations create thriving workplaces where people are engaged, teams are aligned, and strategies deliver results. Wade enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and playing golf, and is active in his community through board and civic work.

Follow Wade Hinton

Website: https://www.wadehinton.com/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HintonandCompany

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadehinton

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Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne

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