Taboo Topics: Talking Politics in the Office
Taboo Topics: Talking Politics in the Office
SEX
POLITICS
RELIGION
Conventional wisdom says not to talk about sex, politics and religion in the office. The problem is that any office, workplace or organization is mostly made up of people and if the volume of blogs, internet sites, magazines and other media is any indication of popularity, people love to talk about: SEX, POLITICS AND RELIGION!
We’re in the middle of the most contentious political season anyone still alive can remember. Can we have respectful political conversations in the workplace?
I say yes; but we need to make a few AssUmptions™. I know, once again I’m going against conventional wisdom which says when you assume you make an a#$ out of you, and me. I think you’ll find these AssUmptions™ useful:
1. Not everyone shares your point of view.
2. The other guy is entitled to his or her opinion.
3. The other guy has a rational reason for his or her opinion.
4. Silence does not always confirm agreement.
5. EVERYONE is entitled to at least two things: Thoughts & Feelings.
Carry these AssUmptions™ with you into nearly any conversation and you can enjoy a respectful and perhaps even an informative exchange of ideas.
You don’t need a list of rules; in fact I only really observe one rule in life; the Rule of Respect. Talking to a group of first grade students on the subject of Respect I started by asking for a definition. Being the expert I was just about to launch into my pre-programmed script on the subject when one young man stood up, bowed and said, “Respect means taking care of one another!” I’m not easily moved to tears but I had to sit down and take a few minutes after that one! To this day I’ve adopted this definition of Respect and have tried to live my life by that Rule.
As we go through the political season I will, from time to time, interject some of my “Guidelines for Respectful Office Conversation” and items from my “Top 10 List of Stuff You Should AVOID Doing or Saying in Office Conversations.” These are fun, but if you stick to the Rule of Respect you’ve pretty well got things covered.
For now just remember two things:
When it’s obvious that what you’re doing or saying is not “caring” for the other person, it’s probably time to let it go.
While you’re at work, remember that you’re there above all: to WORK!
“Talking Religion in the Office” has to wait until football season starts!
Taboo Topics Talking Politics in the Office - To learn more about this author, visit Jim Bouchard's Website.
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The big three:
SEX
POLITICS
RELIGION
Conventional wisdom says not to talk about sex, politics and religion in the office. The problem is that any office, workplace or organization is mostly made up of people and if the volume of blogs, internet sites, magazines and other media is any indication of popularity, people love to talk about: SEX, POLITICS AND RELIGION!
We’re in the middle of the most contentious political season anyone still alive can remember. Can we have respectful political conversations in the workplace?
I say yes; but we need to make a few AssUmptions™. I know, once again I’m going against conventional wisdom which says when you assume you make an a#$ out of you, and me. I think you’ll find these AssUmptions™ useful:
1. Not everyone shares your point of view.
2. The other guy is entitled to his or her opinion.
3. The other guy has a rational reason for his or her opinion.
4. Silence does not always confirm agreement.
5. EVERYONE is entitled to at least two things: Thoughts & Feelings.
Carry these AssUmptions™ with you into nearly any conversation and you can enjoy a respectful and perhaps even an informative exchange of ideas.
You don’t need a list of rules; in fact I only really observe one rule in life; the Rule of Respect. Talking to a group of first grade students on the subject of Respect I started by asking for a definition. Being the expert I was just about to launch into my pre-programmed script on the subject when one young man stood up, bowed and said, “Respect means taking care of one another!” I’m not easily moved to tears but I had to sit down and take a few minutes after that one! To this day I’ve adopted this definition of Respect and have tried to live my life by that Rule.
As we go through the political season I will, from time to time, interject some of my “Guidelines for Respectful Office Conversation” and items from my “Top 10 List of Stuff You Should AVOID Doing or Saying in Office Conversations.” These are fun, but if you stick to the Rule of Respect you’ve pretty well got things covered.
For now just remember two things:
When it’s obvious that what you’re doing or saying is not “caring” for the other person, it’s probably time to let it go.
While you’re at work, remember that you’re there above all: to WORK!
“Talking Religion in the Office” has to wait until football season starts!
Taboo Topics Talking Politics in the Office - To learn more about this author, visit Jim Bouchard's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
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John BrennanJohn Brennan Ed.D. Dr. Brennan is President of Interpersonal Development, LLC, a training and development firm. Interpersonal Development has provided sales training and coaching to more than 3,000 sales reps from over 100 companies. A native of Australia, Dr. Brennan received his doctorate from the University of Rochester. His dissertation researched the effectiveness of Behavioral Modeling Technology in training people in interpersonal skills. While he has spent most of his career designing or delivering training, he was also a Vice-President of Sales of a training and development franchise with operations in 25 markets. Dr. Brennan has designed and delivered sales training in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He has been a guest speaker at numerous national and regional professional conferences. When Microsoft wanted Best Practices articles on sales for their web site, they called Dr. Brennan. The results are at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011387391033.aspx His firm’s clients have included Volvo, The Prudential, Merrill Lynch, Eastman Kodak, Gannett, Equifax Europe, the Economist Group and countless small businesses. - Visit John Brennan's Website |
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David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
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Power Play - Jim Bouchard is author and founder of Dynamic Components of Personal Power, and the founder of Northern Chi Martial Arts Centers. Jim combines his experience as a professional martial artist, entrepreneur and speaker to share his philosophy on power for personal and professional success.
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