Tips On Talking (Or Not Talking) Politics At Work
October 5, 2016
By Brian Maynor
In case you weren’t aware, we are in the middle of a presidential political campaign season. While most elections tend to bring out strong opinions and polarizing views this one has taken the cake.
So it’s no surprise that it will pop up in conversation anytime two or more people get together navigating the topic can be a bit tricky, particularly at work.
While you may be able to speak with full candor among your friends, with colleagues you may need to modulate, or refrain all together from engaging in the conversation. Here are a few tips from coaches and researches on how to approach politics at work that apply to any hot-button issue:
1. Weigh the risk vs. the opportunity. Essentially you do this subconsciously before answering any question, it just needs to be a little more conscious with some issues. Some people use questions as an opportunity to educate, but know going in that the possibility of influencing someone’s opinion is very slight while the possibility of offending them is great.
2. Focus on asking questions. One of my go-to tricks for navigating dicey conversations is to ask a lot of questions. Not only does this keep the other person talking, you show interest without alienating the other person. Plus it’s an opportunity for you to learn something about their perspective.
3. Maintain a level of respect. This means you may need to suppress the urge to scream, shout or shake your colleague and say ‘what are you thinking?’ As strong as it may be. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is with your body language. Focus on maintaining an open stance, not rolling your eyes or over using your hands. If a verbal response is necessary, you can always fall back on validating their right to have an opinion, whether you agree with it or not.
4. Deflect or disengage entirely. Just because someone brings up a topic does not mean you have to participate in the conversation. You can always attempt to redirect the conversation to something more benign or simply say you’re not interested in talking about it. While you should never lie about your opinions simply to avoid a situation, you are also not obligated to share them either.
Whether we’re in an election year or not, politics are part of current events and it would be naïve to think they will never creep into conversations at work. That doesn’t mean you have to talk about them, but you should at least have a strategy for dealing with it so you’re not taken aback or put on the spot.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
