U.S. District Judge John Tunheim on Consensus, Communication, and Civic Engagement
How do we find consensus in a divided world? In today’s episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Judge Tunheim, Senior Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, who has proven time and again that even in the most polarized situations, common ground can be found. He shares remarkable insights from his tenure, where he successfully led a diverse bench of judges—appointed by different political parties and with varying backgrounds—toward consensus, even when many thought it was impossible.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Tunheim’s experiences in helping to declassify critical records about a national tragedy, contributing to the formation of a new government, and writing a country’s constitution in six languages highlight his exceptional ability to unite people and navigate complex, high-stakes challenges. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and the belief that leaders can always find a way forward, no matter how difficult the situation.
Takeaways:
- Teach Young People About the Judiciary: Engage with students to educate them about the judicial system, its importance, and how it works. Use hands-on experiences like the Justice and Democracy Centers to make learning interactive and inspiring.
- Emphasize Civics Education: Advocate for strong civics education programs in schools that teach the foundational elements of government and the importance of civic participation.
- Reach a Consensus: Strive to achieve consensus in decision-making by engaging in detailed discussions, understanding differing perspectives, and seeking common ground that benefits the collective goal.
- Thank People: Regularly thank colleagues and team members, acknowledging their contributions with personal gestures such as handwritten notes to show genuine appreciation.
- Adopt New Technologies: Embrace new technologies, like Zoom, for meetings and court proceedings to enhance efficiency and flexibility, especially in geographically dispersed environments.
- Model the Way: Lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and practices you wish to see in others. Being a role model can inspire peers and subordinates to follow suit.
- Address Difficult Issues with Soft Skills: Use empathy, communication, and negotiation skills to address and resolve difficult issues. Visit colleagues in their workspace to discuss and solve problems, fostering a respectful and cooperative environment.
Quote of the Show:
- “ Finding common ground is really important. It takes hard work. And it sometimes takes a little sacrifice as well. But I think common ground can be found everywhere.”
Links:
- Website: https://www.mnd.uscourts.gov/
Shout Outs:
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Guest
Judge John R. Tunheim
Senior United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.