Working at home has its privileges: better coffee, my dog by my side and the lack of political conversation! With the 2020 election around the corner, it might be a good time to review some dos and don’ts of politics at work.
Play Nice – One of the most beautiful things about our country is that we are made up of individuals with different ideas and beliefs. If you want to have a respectful conversation with a co-worker, go ahead. I have a co-worker I adore. We are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. Our conversations are interesting and enlightening. We respectfully ask each other questions. We stay focused on the key values we share – not what makes us different. Keep an open mind. You might learn something!
If You Don’t Know, Ask – Recently one of my co-workers accidentally stepped in it. A comment about a candidate was made. The co-worker assumed the person they were speaking with agreed with their position. To the co-worker’s horror, it was not the case. Check the temperature before you call a candidate a jerk. No one wants to create animosity with the people who collaborate with you!
Know When It’s Time To Abandon Ship – What starts as a quick conversation about last night’s convention can quickly devolve into a heated battle. Know when it’s time to go back to work. Your company is not paying you to stand around the coffee maker. Withdraw peacefully and get back to your office! You’ll be glad you did!
Stay Away from Hot Button Issues – Some issues are just too hot to handle! If you’re going down the path of a candidate’s moral code, you could get yourself in a touchy situation. Stick to issues that are relevant to work – unemployment and taxes always seem like a pretty safe bet!
Use Your Social Media for Good – If you’re one of the people that likes to get “in it” on social media, you might want to think twice about your choices. Your co-workers, clients, friends and neighbors are all watching. This could have an impact on your success. My rule of thumb, “if you wouldn’t say it to your Grandmother, don’t say it on Social”!
It’s going to be a long season. It’s August and already things are rough out there. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. Let’s work together to create an environment where we can grow and create good things.
Be well,
Lori
