In this episode of Impact Leaders, Magda Petryniak interviews Wawrzyniec Smoczyński, co-founder of the New Community Foundation, to explore the rising tide of polarization in Poland and its profound impact on businesses and communities.
Recent data from the Digital Society Project underscores the urgency of this issue: Poland’s polarization index reached 3.83 in 2021, a staggering 41% increase from 2001 (2.71). This places Poland among the most ideologically divided countries in Europe, surpassing even the United States (3.5) and trailing only Hungary (4) within the EU.
Smoczyński shares strategies his foundation uses for mitigating these divisions, focusing on the transformative power of dialogue, inclusivity, and civic bonds. He delves into how polarization disrupts workplace dynamics, heightens societal tensions, and affects leadership and organizational culture.
Through this conversation, discover actionable insights into fostering connection and resilience in polarized environments, making this discussion a must-watch for leaders navigating today’s complex social and business landscapes.
Understanding Polarization and Building Bridges: A Conversation with Wawrzyniec Smoczyński
