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Office Politics: Engaging Without Enraging
by
Dave Willmer, executive director of Office Team
Talking politics on the job used to be considered inappropriate or even
taboo. But employees today are more apt to chat about this once off-limits
topic. In a survey of office workers by OfficeTeam, 67 percent of
respondents said discussing political campaigns and candidates is acceptable
as long as the debate isn’t too heated. Fourteen percent actually consider
it useful to talk about political issues, and they welcome these
conversations. Only 18 percent said political banter is inappropriate.
Given this change in attitude and the intense interest surrounding the
presidential election, it’s important to know how to tactfully handle
potentially divisive political discourse at work. Here are some strategies
to consider:
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Be judicious with how you discuss. Wade — don’t jump — into political
conversations. Knowing your audience and sharing your thoughts in a low-key,
non-confrontational manner is one thing; imposing your political views on
everyone who walks by your cubicle is another. Keep in mind that you’re more
likely to offend colleagues than you are to change their minds.
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Steer clear of interrogating others. While you may be comfortable
divulging your political leanings, some of your colleagues will not be.
Respect their privacy by not putting them on the spot with pointed
questions. Badgering coworkers about whom they support or how they feel
about hot-button political issues is a sure-fire way to damage
relationships.
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Know the company rules. According to a survey by the American
Management Association, 39 percent of executives, managers and employees
said their company has a written policy prohibiting the distribution or
posting of material that endorses a political party or candidate. Before
forwarding a political e-mail or displaying a poster or bumper sticker on
your office wall, make sure you understand your company’s rules regarding
the public support of political causes. Get a sense of your firm’s unwritten
rules, as well. If others don’t display their political leanings, it may be
unofficially frowned upon.
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Diplomatically disengage. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into
opening up about your views. If friendly water-cooler chitchat is turning
into an emotionally charged interrogation, bow out of the conversation
gracefully. “Sorry, I’m going to steer clear of that question” or “I better
get back to work” are helpful phrases to remember.
Taking part in civilized political discussions in the workplace can broaden
your perspective, help you to better understand what matters to your
coworkers, or simply make your lunch hour more interesting. Just remember to
remain respectful of all viewpoints when playing political pundit at work.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dave Willmer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at
www.officeteam.com.
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Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™
