Business + Politics=Beware!
July 6, 2014
By Deborah O’Connor
We have all heard the old adage: avoid politics, religion and money as topics of conversation. But let’s be realistic, politics are bound to come up often in conversation in the workplace, especially with our politically split nation. How do you work around this without offending every other person? First, a few facts regarding the topic:
We are all entitled to free speech in our country in federal jobs, but in the private sector, if there is a contract forbidding discussing certain subjects and you have signed it, you do not have this right. Know the written and unwritten policies at your workplace and adhere to them.
In a right to work state you can be fired for pretty much any reason, including being a big-mouthed, political troublemaker. Companies are in business to make a profit, not create a political arena for your benefit.
If you do find yourself in a political discussion, use a light tone. Do not continually berate one party and do not be unnecessarily argumentative or obnoxious.
Do not use politics to punish other people. It never works and you look like the fool.
Before you go off on a political harangue, be aware of your bosses political views. It just doesn’t make sense to directly oppose the ‘hand that feeds you”. You may win the immediate battle, but you will undoubtedly lose the war.
Know that you won’t change anyone’s basic political views, but you will most likely create hard feelings. Remember, you need your co-workers to support and back you up. If you have stirred up bad feelings, you are a lot less likely to find that anyone has your back.
If you are always the one in the office that is stirring up trouble and you are the loud-voiced troublemaker who always has an opinion, you may not show up on the short list when it comes to promotions. It can appear that you are putting all your judgment into winning political discussions instead of doing your job. Companies want you concentrating on your work and their company, not your political opinions.
Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.
She will answer them in her weekly column.
Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at: [email protected] www.successfulimage.biz
