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"As the political season heats up..."
By Bizbox
Chances are you've read your fair share of articles, blogposts, or even emails that begin with some variation of the above in the past couple months. Fact is, politics is on everyone's mind right now (and for good reason). But how should this fact be squared with that saying about politics not making for polite conversation when we're talking about cultivating a friendly, productive workplace?
Etiquette blogger Carol Bory has some advice to individuals who wish to have, as she puts it, "civil political conversations at work," from which we have extrapolated some further advice for the office administrator interested in keeping things amicable.
So you are someone who wants to have political conversations with others at work. First, don't take it for granted that you must participate in such discussion--keeping your opinions to yourself is very much an option. However, should you choose to engage, Bory says, treat your interlocutor with respect, do not automatically presume he or she agrees with you, and--perhaps counterintuitively--be firm in your beliefs ("By expressing yourself with determination and poise you will convey the strength of your convictions," Bory says. "If someone is bullying you, respond politely but firmly").
And what about setting a workplace guideline? We're no etiquette experts, but Bory for her part clearly is not averse to political conversation taking place, provided it does so within the boundaries of fairness and respect. We'd advise you to address the matter head-on--via a memo, a meeting, or a brief few words, acknowledge the heated election season, and people's interest in and potentially differing opinions about it. Outline how you expect political conversation to take place (for which, see above). And warn your employees that failure to treat others with respect denies them the right to yours.
Ultimately, political conversation is a healthy sign--you just need to make sure it is conducted in a healthy way.
Comments (0)September 10, 2008 9:39 AM
