Is it appropriate to discuss politics at work?
Marcia Daszko
Strategic Leadership Development & Transformation Advisor to Boards/C-Suites/Teams🔹Board Director🔹Keynote Speaker; Podcast Guest🔹Consultant in the Deming Philosophy🔹Bestselling Author: Pivot Disrupt Transform
Q. As election day draws closer, my team members are sharing their opinions more about the issues as well as the candidates. Is it appropriate to discuss politics at work?
A. It depends on the culture and the work demands.
Some workplaces are very open to lively and robust discussions about almost any topic. For some, it is part of their work in a media, news or a political organization. Other workplaces discourage conversations on topics such as politics, religion, or other controversial issues.
Part of the question addresses:
Some cultures have a group of similar thinkers who welcome commiserating and build support among colleagues.
When there are opposite perspectives and people are not open to a respectful discussion about issues, but slide into disrespectful dialogue, it’s not appropriate to have those conversations at work (or anywhere). Employers want the work to get done and for employees to work well together. If there is tension or disrespect, that breaks down collaboration.
If people want to discuss politics, they can consider meeting after work or virtually on a Zoom meeting after the work day.
More people are engaging in discussions prior to this election than we’ve probably seen before. In the work environment, it’s probably best to keep healthy boundaries and take political discussions off-line. But do have them!
Published first on www.mdaszko.com
BIO:
Marcia Daszko works with Boards, C-suite leaders and teams to guide their leadership transformation to accelerate and achieve bold results never before imagined. She is a provocative keynote, breakout, and digital speaker for conferences and corporate events. She has been a strategic business advisor and management consultant based on Dr. Deming’s philosophy of leadership for 25+ years. An executive retreat facilitator and MBA professor, she is also the bestselling author of the book “Pivot Disrupt Transform.” Contact Marcia Daszko for her help at md@mdaszko.com www.mdaszko.com
physician at Penn State University
1moPolitical discussion should not be part of work. Unless there are clear rules of engagement and purpose for the discussion. Politics is designed to generate a reaction, not necessarily to have a true generative conversation. The typical conversation is dialectical, not dialogue. I have rarely found a political discussion result in unifying people. When people at work are frustrated, or angry with a colleague, then team work suffers. When teamwork suffers so does team performance. When the performance suffers so does the organization. I think it’s best to leave politics and religion at home. The probability of something going wrong versus something going right outweighs any return on the investment of such a conversation
RETIRED ...US Navy Captain/Senior Industrial Manager who was last assigned as an Enterprise Architect/Engineer
1moThere is no such thing as being nonpolitical. Everything we say or do either affirms or critiques the status quo. Even to say nothing is to say something: The status quo—even if it is massively unjust and deceitful—is apparently okay. This “nonpolitical” stance is an illusion we must overcome. [2] [2] Adapted from Richard Rohr, introduction to ONEING 5, no. 2, Politics and Religion (Fall 2017): 11–12. Available as PDF download.
This is such an important topic! Discussing politics at work can be sensitive, but it’s important for fostering understanding and respect.
Book Launch Strategist | Editor
1moAbsolutely fascinating topic! 🌟
SF Bay Area Executive in Global Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Operations | Process Improvement | Automation Development / Start-up / Mid-Size / Large Company background / Team Builder on Steroids!
1moI am a believer that Sex, Politics and Religion conversations stay outside the workplace. Most people I have managed and worked with are not capable of compartmentalization around these topics. Many are very vocal and opinionated and push thier agenda. Better off not engaging or allowing these to be workplace topics. Everyone has a right to thier opinion and that fundamental value needs to be upheld.