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By Kaitlin Madden,
At work, there are some topics of conversation that need to
be approached cautiously, if at all. Your definitive list of "reasons
why your boss sucks," your religious beliefs and your feelings about
"The Real Housewives," for example, are all probably better left off of
the conversation menu. Expressing your views on these polarizing topics
can lead to some pretty intense discussions.
Another topic that's taboo at the office? Politics. Like trying to
argue the merit of Teresa Giudice to a "RHONJ" hater, telling a
Republican colleague that there's much more to President Barack Obama
than a soulful set of pipes is just asking for an argument. And who
wants to spend an entire afternoon passive-aggressively arguing with a
co-worker?
A lot of people, apparently. According to CareerBuilder's new survey
on talking politics at the office, 36 percent of workers admit to
discussing politics at work, while 46 percent say they plan to talk
about this year's presidential election with their co-workers.
Though not all political discussions lead to bickering, play with
fire and eventually you're going to get burned. Of those who confessed
to playing David Gregory's advocate in the office, 23 percent said it
led to a heated debate or a fight with a colleague.
If you just can't help but get excited each time Mitt Romney wins
another red state, keep an open mind and respectful demeanor if you
decide to discuss it at the office.
"Most workers opt to keep political debates outside of the
workplace," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at
CareerBuilder. "Anytime you're dealing with subject matter that is
sensitive or potentially inflammatory, it's important to always be
respectful of your colleagues' opinions and avoid emotionally charged
exchanges."
Joseph Grenny, co-author of the New York Times bestseller, "Crucial
Conversations," agrees that politics can be a touchy subject for a lot
of people, and keeping a level head during these conversations is key.
"Look at the situation from your co-worker's perspective by asking
yourself why a reasonable and rational person would hold that political
view. While you don't have to agree with their view, you can still
acknowledge that it is valid."
Have a tendency to let your strong opinions get the best of you? Make
it through election year with your work relationships intact by
following these additional tips:
1. Look for areas of agreement. "Begin by reinforcing the basic
values and purposes you hold in common," Grenny says. "Let your
co-worker know you share common goals, even if your preferred tactics
for achieving them differ."
2. Focus on facts. "We've all become masters at spin detection, and
none of us like when people exaggerate, twist and spin the facts.
Consider the source of your facts, and ask your co-worker to do the
same," Grenny says.
3. Keep it safe by looking for signs of silence or violence. "If your
co-worker grows quiet or starts to become defensive, step out of the
content of the discussion and restore safety," Grenny says. "Reinforce
your respect for them, and remind them of the broader purpose you both
share."