Tip of the Month for November 2004 - Discussing Politics in the Workplace

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Tip of the Month for November 2004
Discussing Politics in the Workplace

As with any topic you may be passionate about, it’s always wise to evaluate the overall demographic culture of your company before you proclaim your allegiance to a particular candidate. Does your office (as a whole) lean right or left? Is the owner, or your boss, actively involved in one political faction?

Although politics work on many different levels within the workplace, knowing the playing field allows you to gauge how much or how little you should say about your chosen leader. This does not imply you should change your opinion or conviction to match that of your coworkers or supervisors. Just remember there is a time and place to express your political views and the workplace isn’t it.

If your thoughts happen to be in line with what your boss believes, then you have a cautionary green light. You may be a little more vocal about your approval of your candidate. But proceed with caution—there is more to a company than you and the boss.

This is a tricky rope to walk. Every business is different. Sometimes keeping quiet can work against you, especially if your office is made up of political gurus. In this type of environment it is expected you chime in and stir up the pot with some intellectual banter about your opinions. The rule to this: don’t make a co-worker look bad just because they have a different view. This of course goes both ways. You may be on the receiving end of someone ridiculing your views in a demeaning fashion. Always take the high road and walk away. Avoid such arguments if it starts to move below the belt.

If you are willing to take this on, you should have your facts straight, and stay on the topic being discussed. Try to keep emotions at bay. Remember the election will come and go, but you will work with these people every day. Is it that important for you to strike back at a comment against your chosen candidate?

Discussing politics among coworkers who play fair can be intriguing, intellectually stimulating and fun. As mentioned in a previous tip about “boardroom etiquette” it’s human nature to toss around various views and ideas. This type of banter builds relationships and teamwork. Learning about others’ views can better relationships and build a supportive work environment.

Keep in mind you might be better remembered for your poise and composure during a political debate than for your opinions and convictions. How you behave during a conversation will be the legacy—not your choice of a candidate.

This past weekend, I noticed some volunteers passing out signs for John Kerry at a very busy intersection. The wind was blowing 40 plus miles an hour. At one point one of the volunteers lost hold of the signs and they went blowing all over the intersection. My children said they wished they hadn’t seen it because they felt so bad for this person. I tried to explain this individual must have a strong conviction to stand on that corner during such a wind storm. That is what is so wonderful about this process, seeing people act with such conviction. Although it was painful to watch this person running to catch the blowing signs, it was one of the few moments I stopped to think about the silver lining in this process. There is a “right” way and a “wrong” way to express ourselves in the workplace. Go ahead and place your signs in your lawn, but leave your buttons at home. Your office is not a place for visual campaigning, especially when dealing with clients.

Now that your vote is counted, leave your daggers and “I told you so’s” at home. While nobody likes a sore loser, a gloating winner is even worse. Take your win and silently rejoice. It’s always interesting when the silent debaters, stand tall and gloat when their candidate wins. After Election Day, it is time to move forward and be supportive of our new leader. This does not mean you can’t say you were in favor of the other candidate, but as a team member it is best to keep your negative outlook at home and press on in a positive fashion.

I tell my clients that politics is one of those topics never to be discussed in the workplace. More and more in an election year it’s harder and harder to avoid. Although it is difficult at times, try to leave your soapboxes at home.

Mind Your Manners specializes in seminars and consulting services in business etiquette and international protocol. For more information, please contact Amy Palec at (262) 376-0515 or visit her web site www.amypalec.com.