Question of the Week
Is Talking Politics at the Office Taboo?
Posted Oct 29, 2008 11:30 AM CST
By Molly McDonough
Ignoring politics these days, especially in the last heated days of the '08 presidential election, is next to impossible. But talking politics at the office can still create tension.
The New York Times published a piece recently quoting commonsense tips from Jamie and Maren Showkeir, workplace experts and authors of the book Authentic Conversations: Moving from Manipulation to Truth and Commitment.
When chatting about politics, the duo advises:
• Don’t assume your co-workers share your political views and opinions.
• Don’t abuse your power or position.
• Avoid making politics personal.
• Discuss rather than debate.
• Try to find common ground.
All this made us wonder ...
Is talking politics with clients and co-workers taboo? Or have you been able to find a way to navigate these murky waters? Tell us how.
Answer in the comments below.
Read last week's question and answers about pro bono.
Our favorite answer:
Posted by "Bee": "Always having done pro bono work for artists and musicians (I am a copyright and licensing lawyer), I actually believed what the partner at the big law firm in DC told me when they hired me, which was something like: This firm considers pro bono work important, blah, blah, blah… Reality: law firms do not care if you do pro bono work. The choice should be made according to your values—if you want to assist others by using your legal knowledge, you should. But do not hold any expectations that a big law firm will appreciate it ;-)"
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Comments
Break Every Taboo
Oct 29, 2008 1:48 PM CST
Politics makes law. Therefore we attorneys, if anyone, should talk politics.
But we should remember that we have guiding principles of justice, equality, and liberty which we are duty bound to protect.
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Obama 2008
Oct 31, 2008 4:00 AM CST
In the US, I would never talk politics with my co-workers unless I was 100% positive that we shared similar views. However, I am working for a British firm outside the US, where everyone talks politics with me because I am American. I think these US elections are too important not to talk about. With that said, there are certainly a few people in the office who are probably shocked that I advertise my politics; however, the amount of face time it has brought me with colleagues I would never talk with ordinarily (i.e. my bosses) has been worth it.
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silencedogood
Oct 31, 2008 6:29 AM CST
Do so at your own risk. In a perfect world we could all discuss the important issues of the day calmly and rationally and sometimes agree to disagree, leaving it at that.
In reality, we all know at least one super-opinionated person above us in the org chart who will hold your beliefs against you if they differ in the slightest way. (and please, no one delude yourself into thinking its only the other party’s supporters—its yours too).
When it comes up, I turn to the trusty Socratic method which simultaneously lets the other person vent, think you agree, and forget that you haven’t said a word, all while telling you much about what and how they think.
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cat21
Oct 31, 2008 6:45 AM CST
It is totally not appropriate. In this day and age, politics is very contentious, and there is no needed (not to mention I feel it is unprofessional) to bring it into the workplace. First off, I simply do not care to hear your thirty minute diatribe on the VP candidates - and don’t you have work to do?
I had views very opposed to my formed boss, and made for an extremely uncomfortable working environment. When he said that “part of our evaluation would be whether we voted for .....” - I think it really crossed the line. Yes, I understand it was a joke, but felt it still had the undertone of being unhappy with the other sides’ supporters. Not conducive to a good working relationaship.
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JFK
Oct 31, 2008 7:54 AM CST
We really need to know what Ellen Barshevsky would say (or what her boyfriend would advise) to answer this.
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Jay
Oct 31, 2008 7:59 AM CST
Just don’t make it personal. Finding common ground is very inmportant, because regardless of political persuasion—-all of us are sincere in working for a better America. And we attorneys do well to remember the Golden Rule…
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AG
Oct 31, 2008 8:06 AM CST
It is unfortunate that Americans have, over the years, turned away from respectful political discourse. This failure to discuss the important issues the country and the world face has needlessly polarized and paralyzed us.
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William Wheatley
Oct 31, 2008 8:17 AM CST
Some years ago I was in a consulting firm, one of three owners (“partners”) in a corporate structure. My two partners seemed reasonably conservative, and I assumed (wrongly) that they were Republican. I accidentally sent a joke video satirizing Bill Clinton to two people in the office as well as my own private list of people with whom I shared jokes. This resulted in my dismissal from the firm. If one is to mention politics at the office, it should be in a manner respectful of the other side, and without rant, unfounded allegations, and disparaging remarks.
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MH
Oct 31, 2008 8:52 AM CST
Honestly, the discussion of politics in my office has become so oppressive lately that I am anxiously awaiting the passage of election day in the hopes that it will die down. I am the only liberal in a an office full of conservatives. Initially, I enjoyed the political discourse and even some light-hearted ribbing back and forth with some others in the office. Unfortunately, however, I made the mistake of disagreeing with my boss a month or two ago. Ever since, he directs all discussion at me, often implying that I am stupid or irresponsible because of my political views. If anyone else was that disrespectful, I would feel the need to set the record straight, but I don’t feel able to do that based on my work situation.
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El Viejo Gringo
Oct 31, 2008 9:02 AM CST
Yes, it is inappropriate, along with talking about religion or sex (including one’s preference). You are at the office to work, and that means being part of a team. Discussing divisive topics hurts teamwork.
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LES
Oct 31, 2008 9:11 AM CST
People at my office know that I am a highly partisan Democrat. If they ask what I think of a particular political issue, I ask them, “Do you really want to know?” This reminds them of my partisan bent. Otherwise, I only discuss politics with personal friends in the office.
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ME
Oct 31, 2008 9:36 AM CST
It depends on the particular co-worker. Some people are capable of discussing politics (and religion and other interesting, important, and at time contentious issues) in a thoughtful, respectful, civil manner, and others are incapable of doing so. I personally believe that you can learn a lot about someone if you discuss something other than sports and the weather with them, but you must broach politics and similar topics very carefully. If you are open minded and intellectually curious, you can probably handle political discussions in a way that enhances your relationships with co-workers, even those with whom you personally disagree. If you become too emotional disussing these issues, stick to the weather.
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Tex
Oct 31, 2008 10:22 AM CST
It takes a big set of brass ones to talk politics in the office. If you do it, then you better have a goal and know what you are really doing. Like we say in Texas, “Them’s fighting words”. For instance, if you are intentionally trying to set yourself apart, if you want to start a roucous debate, or if you want to alienate—- for reasons UNRELATED to the political issue at hand—go ahead. For instance, if you want to see whether the associate can hold their own in a debate, pick a political fight. But know that is what it is. Not smart, not teamwork, not friendly, not even fun. You’re just pickin’ a fight. And never pick a fight with someone bigger than you . . . .
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zippy
Oct 31, 2008 10:26 AM CST
Two words answer this question for public-sector lawyers (at least in the Federal government): “Hatch Act.”
If Sam signs your paycheck, talking politics in the office can get you fired.
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dewphila
Oct 31, 2008 10:48 AM CST
Election talk at work? Attorneys: There is some law here. Check out my article on the subject [including the LAW] in this week’s Philadelphia Business Journal at http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2008/10/27/smallb3.html
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dewphila
Oct 31, 2008 10:50 AM CST
Election talk at work? Attorneys: There is some law here. Check out my article on the subject (including the LAW)in this week’s Philadelphia Business Journal at http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2008/10/27/smallb3.html
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stina
Oct 31, 2008 10:50 AM CST
Why does politics have to be so divisive? An open and continuing and RESPECTFUL dialogue about the issues is exactly what this country needs. We need to be able to agree to disagree on some things and find common ground on others. That type of respectful discussion should always be appropriate. Of course, politics has become inappropriate because there are far too many people who think bashing the other side is “politics.” Or who use someone’s personal beliefs against them. It isn’t politics that is the problem. Its the people who don’t know how to beahve.
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Birdy
Oct 31, 2008 12:03 PM CST
I am very opinionated (and informed, I think!) and volunteer for a local candidate. BUT, I only discuss politics with people I already know agree with me, quietly, and for no more than 5 minutes a day.
If someone asks me how a particular candidate stands on an issue, I refer them to votesmart.com.
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Avon
Oct 31, 2008 2:58 PM CST
I may be the only one in NYC to comment today, since on Halloween all self-respecting folks take off as early as they can for the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village or neighborhood alternatives. But I’m very political, so I’m here to say that personal integrity requires letting any strong passion be known. Yes, only after building a respectful relationship with co-workers; Yes, without stealing the boss’s bought-and-paid-for time; Yes, among consenting adults only; Yes, with light good humor and a readiness from the start to “agree to disagree” or just drop the subject. But Yes - because we are human beings and we each witness to the truth we know. When silence is misleading, reticence for the sake of appearances or convenience is a dishonest way to relate to those among whom we work or live. (I like “Do you really want to know?”).
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Alex
Oct 31, 2008 4:00 PM CST
Most people who know me know where I stand on this, but just a reminder, of course we should. It’s better than the stupid empty nonsense most people talk about. At least with discussions of politics, it seems that people actually care about what’s going on. In a democratic society such as ours, we should never be ashamed to express our own political and sometimes controversial viewpoints. It’s better than the ever growing indifference that most people have with the political process and all things associated with it. If people are supposed to avoid talking about politics, who and what are they supposed to vote for on election day? Most people don’t get too into politics and mostly gather their information from conversations with others. I personally believe that politics is fair game no matter the occasion. I can’t stand that etiquette line of “no politics at the dinner table” or “it’s a party and we’re here to have fun”. I think that’s simply an excuse to not talk about politics. With regards to worrying about possibly getting fired or reprimanded in some way because of your political views as retaliation violating your First Amendment right to free speech. Bosses who take such actions should be sued and heavily discouraged from using such suppressive tactics.
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Above it
Oct 31, 2008 5:02 PM CST
Lots of people just have an unhealthy addiction to political discourse. It should be avoided in the workplace and at social events. Have you ever, ever, in your LIFE, seen two people on opposite sides of a political argument accomplish anything productive or change anyone’s mind?
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Nick
Oct 31, 2008 5:23 PM CST
If you follow those five guidelines set out in the question:
• Don’t assume your co-workers share your political views and opinions.
• Don’t abuse your power or position.
• Avoid making politics personal.
• Discuss rather than debate.
• Try to find common ground
there should be no problem. The problems arise when any one of those five guidelines is ignored.
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r
Oct 31, 2008 7:43 PM CST
Yes, I got some icy stares the other day when I told a bunch of people I thought Obama was a fraud with no accomplishments and will be America’s first affirmative action president. Did I say something wrong?
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Gringa Anciana
Nov 1, 2008 7:16 PM CST
To #10, re: not mentioning sexual preference
I just want to be sure that you know what you’re saying. Often gays are accused of “flaunting” their gayness simply by discussing their weekend plans or putting up a photo.
If you, in fact, believe that NO ONE should mention their partner/spouse in the workplace, then please forgive my presumption.
Just checking…
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Dave Hazlett
Nov 3, 2008 7:28 AM CST
Talking politics should be like discussing any other sensitive subject, and a practicing lawyer ought to be able to remove himself (herself) from the “invested” aspect during any discussion of this nature. At least that is my take.
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nana kofi atakorah
Nov 9, 2008 5:31 AM CST
white house president obama success is our victory thank you yours faithfully aba lawyer nana kofi atakorah.
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