Politics - the office hot potato
"Let no man (or woman) pull you low enough to hate him (or her)" Martin Luther King
Today’s hot potato – politics. It is a topic to avoid, especially in the workplace yet that is impossible with overabundance of media which forces its way into our consciousness day and night. The mere mention of a candidate’s name, a political party, or policy and the tension and negative emotions spike. Some people may shut down or attempt to shut others down. I remember the days when political discourse was spirited yet cordial, not infuriating as it is today. I hope that we can return to those days again but for now, especially in the workplace, leaders must manage the hot potato.
I have many friends and family who are political opposites. I love them all dearly and I would never let politics come between us. Indeed, I’ve had challenging, emotional debates with them, but I believe I’m mature and intelligent enough to see beyond our differences. When I encounter someone from the other political party, I do my best to know them – to attempt a deeper understanding of their views. Author and educator Brene Brown challenged a class of hers once asking who held opposite political views from their grandparents. Most hands went up. Then she asked how many with their hands raised were willing to sever the relationship with their grandparents due to this difference. Most hands went down. The exercise teaches us to see beyond political differences to the real person – that we are truly able to coexist if we can do that.
I refuse to engage in politics on social media. I think it’s a losing game. I often challenge people, “what did you hope to achieve with that post?” “Did you believe you would change the views of another or was it just to make yourself feel better?” Usually, their social media banter is fueled only by ego. Their musings only push us further apart and I would hope that is not the intent of anyone who decides to jump in the political social media ring.
What then should be done at work? I don’t believe leaders can avoid politics. If left unaddressed, the political divide will find its way into the office and create an unhealthy workplace. Because this political season is fueled by hatred, leaders may find their people fixed in their beliefs, unable to approach the other side. They may shut down or shut others down when politics enter the room. They may even refuse to serve a customer who broadcasts their political party and candidate. Here is what I suggest.
Take this on. Communicate something to the greater team. Make these points.
No person on the team or a client will be discriminated based on their political beliefs.
Every member of this team is valued, regardless of their political beliefs, for their character and commitment to our mission.
For the good of the organization, its vision, and mission, all teammates should avoid politics in the workplace.
Every member of the team should approach politics with maturity and an open mind. While the topic should be avoided, when it cannot be, every member must rise above their emotions focusing instead on our mission – to serve our customers and each other.
Those who feel challenged to interact with or serve a teammate or a customer based on their political beliefs must see their supervisor for guidance.
No person will be disrespected or mistreated by anyone. If this occurs, report it to your supervisor immediately.
We are a team of different people with different beliefs rallied behind a common mission – our company mission. That is first and foremost. Politics takes a distant second.
Those who are so fixed on their political beliefs; those who refuse to interact with teammates or worse, serve a customer because of a political difference, may lack maturity. They may be selfish, not selfless in their beliefs and behavior. They may not be able to see the greater good beyond the difference and that is a problem. These people should be coached up or out.
Consider all of this as we speed toward November 5th. Cut and paste the soundbites above and send them out to your team. Respect (you don't have to agree with) the views of your people and your customers. Urge your people not to bring politics into the workplace. Protect your people against true threats but coach them. Help them see that we have more in common as workmates and as people – that they should strive to see beyond donkeys and elephants, red and blue to the shared ground we all stand on and the shared mission we have committed ourselves to. Wrap a cold blanket around that hot potato.
Make it Personal
Rob
Rob Campbell