Corporate leaders in Minnesota are grappling with how to address the recent killings of ICU nurses, including Alex Pretti at the hands of federal officers. As a result, some have chosen to speak out against the fatal shooting and President Donald Trump's broader immigration enforcement in the state. This decision comes after weeks of relative silence from major employers in Minnesota.
While some executives are taking a collective stance, others have been slower to respond. The hesitation among high-profile leaders has not stopped employees from speaking out, with over 800 tech workers signing an open letter condemning the Border Patrol's killing of Pretti and the violent surge of federal agents across cities.
Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, author of "Trump's Ten Commandments," suggests that CEOs engage in conversations when they reach a tipping point. These moments often involve crises where the fabric of society is at risk. In such instances, executives must balance their desire to speak out against the need to avoid drawing political backlash from the administration.
Sonnenfeld notes that companies have found silence on certain issues not effective but also recognize the importance of timing and caution when addressing policy concerns. The cost of staying quiet has risen due to the potential for "brain drain" as highly skilled employees leave in response to their leaders' reluctance to take public stances on contentious issues.
In recent weeks, CEOs like Hemant Taneja of General Catalyst and Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase have taken a more subtle approach, expressing support for some immigration policies but stopping short of criticizing the administration directly.
While some executives are taking a collective stance, others have been slower to respond. The hesitation among high-profile leaders has not stopped employees from speaking out, with over 800 tech workers signing an open letter condemning the Border Patrol's killing of Pretti and the violent surge of federal agents across cities.
Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, author of "Trump's Ten Commandments," suggests that CEOs engage in conversations when they reach a tipping point. These moments often involve crises where the fabric of society is at risk. In such instances, executives must balance their desire to speak out against the need to avoid drawing political backlash from the administration.
Sonnenfeld notes that companies have found silence on certain issues not effective but also recognize the importance of timing and caution when addressing policy concerns. The cost of staying quiet has risen due to the potential for "brain drain" as highly skilled employees leave in response to their leaders' reluctance to take public stances on contentious issues.
In recent weeks, CEOs like Hemant Taneja of General Catalyst and Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase have taken a more subtle approach, expressing support for some immigration policies but stopping short of criticizing the administration directly.
. The fact that they're being killed by federal officers is just heartbreaking. I think it's about time corporate leaders speak out against this and President Trump's immigration policies, even if it means some backlash. It's like, their silence has given people the impression that nothing can be done to stop these killings, which isn't true 
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or something... 800 tech workers already speaking out is a big deal, and still nothing from the big guns? meanwhile, people are actually dying over here... ICU nurses can't even do their jobs without risking being shot by federal agents 
it's time for some real leadership, not just "we're concerned about the issue"... words don't cut it anymore 
! It's just not right that they're being killed by federal officers like this. I mean, who are we supposed to turn to if we need help? Our own people? It's crazy. And it's not just the nurses, but all the other healthcare workers too... we need better protection for our healthcare heroes 
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honestly, it's about time these corporate leaders stepped up (or out?) and spoke out against this senseless violence... I mean, 800+ tech workers signing an open letter? that's not just brave, that's necessary 
. It's like they're saying "hey, we know our CEOs are too scared to say anything" kinda thing 
. But kudos to those who did, and I'm sure it's not an easy decision to make, especially when you're worried about getting roasted by the administration 
. Maybe these CEOs will finally realize that staying quiet isn't doing anyone any favors... but hey, better late than never, right? 
. But at the same time, what's the point of having a voice if it's just gonna be watered down? Like, can't they just take a stance and own it for once? 
It's like, yeah, we get it, you're trying not to offend anyone... but isn't that just perpetuating the status quo? 
And what's with all these half-measures? "I support some immigration policies"... like, what does that even mean? 
. And yeah, some of them shoulda just jumped in sooner 
. It's a catch-22 situation for sure...
. Meanwhile, people are losing their lives to senseless violence, and we're stuck in this limbo of corporate indecision.
- can't believe these corporate leaders are taking so long to speak out on this one... it's like they're waiting for someone else to do the right thing 
that Prof Sonnenfeld is saying CEOs wait till there's a tipping point before talking out - what's their definition of "tipping point" tho? 
. They have this crazy unique flavor called "S'mores Galore" and I need to try it ASAP! Anyway, back to this news... what's with all these corporate leaders taking forever to speak out? I mean, I get it, they don't want to rock the boat, but like, how can you not take a stance on something that affects so many people? I'm not saying they should be super loud and confrontational, but just a little bit of support would go a long way. And honestly, who knows what kind of impact silence has on employees... might drive them crazy! 
. I mean, 800 tech workers already did it and now CEOs are finally getting on board...but still so slow 
. This "tipping point" thing sounds like a bunch of corporate mumbo-jumbo to me...when exactly is the right time? Some people are saying silence isn't golden anymore, but others think that's too harsh 
. Anyway, here's hoping more leaders will step up soon...before more lives get lost 
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. It shows that there's still a lot of passion and commitment to making a difference in their communities. The idea that CEOs are waiting for a tipping point to speak out is kinda true, but I think it's also important for them to take risks and be proactive when they see something that's just not right. I mean, 800+ people signing an open letter is a big deal 
! It's great to see companies like General Catalyst and JPMorgan Chase taking small steps towards being more vocal on immigration policies. We need more leaders like them who are willing to have tough conversations without getting too caught up in politics 
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. These poor ICU nurses are like angels in uniform, and we should be doing everything to make sure they're protected from harm 
. It's not just about them; it's about all the families who rely on their care when they need it most 
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. We need more voices like theirs, especially from tech workers who can make a difference with their collective voice 
. Let's hope more CEOs follow suit soon! 
. I think companies have to start prioritizing their employees' values and well-being over profit margins 
. And what's with the "tipping point" idea from that professor? Can't they see how this affects real people who are losing their lives over these issues? It's not about politics, it's about human life