We’re about three weeks away from one of the most charged and tense elections we’ve seen in the US. Which also means as neutral as we may want to be, it can be a bit of a challenge to spend over eight hours plus at work day in and day out, without thinking or uttering a single word about politics. I mean, there are only so much office gossip and shoe sales you can discuss during coffee breaks…
I have to admit, while I tried as hard as possible to zip it at the office about anything remotely politics-related, it hasn’t always been effective. Especially when your next cubicle’s co-worker’s political rants have you beating your own typing record. Or when someone says something about last night’s debate that reminds you you haven’t had your daily dose of caffeine (or chocolate, or whatever it takes to balance your blood sugar)…
Yes, experts widely recommend the “zip-it” approach when it comes to talking politics at work. And yes, grating people’s world views and most intimate opinions can seriously create divisiveness in the office. Not to mention generate more work for HR…
If you’re going to talk about politics at work, which unless you’re made of steel or are getting ready to move to Canada (oops), you might as well check a few do’s on your list of “things to do to keep your job“:
DO Check Yourself.
As in: be aware of what sets you off when it comes to discussing politics. Personal topics, such as women’s rights, or immigration, can hit close to home, and evoke strong emotions. Except the workplace is just not that place where you can let those strong emotions loose…
So know what sets you off before even starting, or reacting, to a sensitive conversation at work. Use this to control your own emotions and response. And if you can’t, recognize the emotional signs of upset in you, and be willing to walk away…fast!
DO check in with the other person.
It’s easy to assume that the other person, or the rest of the group, wants to launch into a touchy political subject. Or that we’re close enough to them to lay our personal views bare for all to see and hear. But that could also be a damaging assumption that could wreak havoc on your work relationships…
So if you must crack the political joke of the century, or express your concern over the looming immigration reform, make sure to check in first. As in, asking the other person if they’re open to such a discussion. A simple ” I’m open to discussing this issue, and am not trying to impose my views. Would it be ok if I explained how I view this situation, so I can better understand where you stand as well?” Yes, it’s called “diplomacy”, and it’s good for you too…
Do Check Your Facts.
There’s a lot of information available out there. Every time you scroll Facebook, log into your Instagram, or get ready to tweet something. And a lot of that information is not exactly accurate…
So before you launch into a sensitive conversation about politics at work, please consider checking your facts. If you’re not sure of the supporting figures backing up your argument, it’s ok to ask for a time-out until you can actually do some fact-checking of your own. Just politely stop the conversation, and say something to the effect of: ” I would like the opportunity to research this a bit further. Can we table this for now, and pick it up later when I can bring some more insight into the conversation?”
Are you checking for these three things before talking about politics at work? What has been your experience?
Cheers,
The Corporate Sis.
