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Introduction
As election time grows near, some question that I’ve been asked several times is, “Should I bring up politics at work?” “How do I talk about politics at work?” It's no secret that political differences can be a source of tension and conflict in our personal and professional lives. I recall a few years ago, a gentleman in France told me that he heard that Americans can’t talk about politics, because it was too heated to dialogue. He’s not wrong.
While often times open dialogue can foster understanding, talking about politics also carries risks. As a workplace conflict management expert, I've found that navigating these discussions requires a delicate balance of preparation, respect, empathy, and a willingness to listen.
A Self-Reflection Guide
The decision to engage in political discussions at work is a personal one, with potential far-reaching consequences for your professional relationships and work environment. Before initiating or participating in such conversations, it's a good idea to engage in honest self-reflection about your motives and expectations.
Ask yourself why you want to discuss politics. Is it to genuinely understand different perspectives? Are you trying to persuade others to your viewpoint? Is it your way of processing your own thoughts and feelings?
What do you hope to achieve? Is it greater understanding among colleagues? Do you want to influence others’ opinions? Are you looking for a way to vent your frustrations?
Also, ask yourself if this is the appropriate forum for this discussion. Would this conversation be better suited for a non-working setting? Might you be potentially putting colleagues in an uncomfortable position?
It is also important to consider the impact this conversation might have on future relationships. Could this impact team dynamics or collaborations? Could it affect other’s perception of you? Could it impact your career prospects within the organization? Would you be able to remain respectful if others strongly disagree? Are you open to changing your views based on new information?
Being honest with yourself about your motives and expectations is crucial before engaging in political discussions at work. It helps ensure that if you do choose to participate, you do so thoughtfully and responsibly, minimizing potential negative impacts on your professional life and organizational well-being.
Workplace Considerations
Before engaging in political discussions at work, it's important to consider the broader context of your professional environment. Every workplace has its own unique dynamics that can influence the appropriateness and potential impact of political discourse.
Organizational culture: Some organizations have a more open and inclusive culture that encourages diverse perspectives, while others may prefer to avoid political topics altogether. Consider whether your workplace generally welcomes or discourages these discussions.
Industry norms: Certain industries, such as law, journalism, or academia, may have different expectations regarding political discourse. In some fields, political discussions may be more common or even expected, while in others they might be seen as unprofessional.
Company policies: Familiarize yourself with any existing company policies regarding political expression in the workplace. Some organizations have specific guidelines about what is and isn't appropriate.
Individual preferences: Recognize that your colleagues may have varying comfort levels with political discussions. Some people may feel more comfortable engaging in these topics, while others may prefer to avoid them entirely. Be mindful of these differences.
Power dynamics: Consider the potential impact of hierarchical relationships on political discussions. Conversations between peers may be received differently than those involving supervisors and subordinates.
If you do choose to engage in political discussions at work, it's important to approach them with caution, respect, and sensitivity to your colleagues' diverse viewpoints and comfort levels. Always prioritize maintaining a professional and inclusive work environment.
Rules of Engagement for Political Discussions at Work
Navigating political discussions in the workplace requires tact, respect, and a commitment to maintaining professional relationships. Here are guidelines to help ensure these conversations remain constructive and respectful:
Ask permission and respect boundaries: Before initiating a political discussion, ask if the other person is comfortable engaging in the topic. Recognize that some suspicion or defensiveness is natural and be attuned to your colleagues' comfort levels. Not everyone may be willing or able to engage in these topics at work.
Respect differences and value relationships: Remember that disagreement doesn't equate to animosity. I often say, “Just because I don’t agree with you doesn’t mean I’m against you. It means I’m different than you.” Your colleagues' differing views reflect their unique perspectives and experiences. Prioritize maintaining positive working relationships regardless of political differences.
Listen actively: Active listening involves fully concentrating on what someone is saying, rather than just passively hearing the message while planning your rebuttal. To practice active listening, pay close attention to the speaker's words, tone, and body language, then reflect back what you've heard using your own words to ensure you've understood correctly. Finally, ask thoughtful, open-ended questions to clarify any points of confusion and to demonstrate your genuine interest in fully grasping the speaker's perspective. Aim to understand, not to convince. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.
Find commonalities: Look for shared concerns, values, or desired outcomes. There are often more points of agreement than we initially realize. Avoid right/wrong dichotomies.
Focus on policies, not personalities: Discuss ideas and their potential impacts rather than individuals or political figures.
Use "I" statements: Share personal experiences, stories, and perspectives instead of making broad generalizations.
Acknowledge complexity: Avoid oversimplifying complex issues. Recognize that most political topics are complex and multi-faceted.
Maintain professionalism: Keep emotions in check and use respectful language, regardless of how passionate you feel about a topic.
Be mindful of relationship dynamics: Different workplace relationships have varying capacities for sensitive discussions. Choose carefully with whom you share more vulnerable thoughts about politics.
Be honest about discomfort: If a topic becomes too difficult to manage, express your feelings openly. For example, "This is more challenging than I anticipated. Could we discuss something lighter instead?" If the conversation becomes heated or unproductive, be prepared to respectfully step away. In addition, it’s always okay to politely decline to participate in political discussions if you feel uncomfortable or if you believe it's not appropriate for the work environment.
Final Thoughts:
A tenet of conflict management is that diversity is a strength. It is that we are not looking for who is right or wrong, we are looking for a better way forward, a better future. We are not choosing between one side or another. Instead, we try to find solutions that are one side and another, and even to consider alternative ideas that will work for everyone. It’s a process that works, in resolving organizational and interpersonal conflict.
As we navigate these challenging times, let's strive to bring more understanding, respect, and professionalism to our workplaces - regardless of our political leanings. After all, what unites us as colleagues and fellow professionals is far greater than what divides us as political beings. We are all more than our political views and preserving a positive work environment and respect for one another as colleagues should be the priority.
What's your experience with political discussions at work? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below!
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