9 ways to ease tension when talks of politics enters the workplace
It is important to watch what you say when it comes to discussing sensitive topics in the workplace. Discussing your political viewpoints at your place of employment could cause some resentment from your peers.
But discussions of politics don’t always have to turn ugly. As a result, here are 9 tips on how to ease the tension when your coworkers start to talk about politics and other sensitive issues.
1. Don’t initiate the conversation:
You don’t want to be that person who starts the conversation regarding politics in the workplace. The conversation can be tough on co-workers so if you can, avoid it at all times. If it turns ugly, you don’t want to be the person who started the conversation in the first place.
2. Do focus on your point of view:
Be calm and try to see things from the other person’s perspective. This will help you to see where the other person is coming from which will increase your understanding of the situation. Don’t assume that you are the one who has all the answers.
3. Try to reduce conflicts:
If you see trouble coming, try to catch it earlier before it becomes an argument. Use your problem solving skills to prevent the conversation from getting out of control. Remember communication is the key in preventing conflicts in the workplace.
4. Be helpful to your coworkers:
Be careful on what you talk about when it comes to politics. It’s always a good idea to have a good reputation at your place of employment. Your boss and coworkers will give you more respect when things don’t go your own way. If you say something by mistake, your coworkers will be more forgiving since you are a great employee.
5. Let others express their opinion:
Do not go into great detail on your political views. Talking about your opinion is like being on a team. Each member must have the opportunity to express their viewpoint and say how they feel about a certain topic. It is fine to discuss your own viewpoints to an extent but remember to always be a team player and give others the opportunity to express their views.
6. Distance yourself from the trouble makers:
Try to keep your distance from those who may cause you problems. It is best to be friendly but don’t go out of your way in spending too much time with employees who gossip. Be careful on who you hang out with at your place of employment.
7. Focus on your job and responsibilities:
At the end of the day, you want to focus on your job instead of trying to express your political views to others. It comes without saying that your boss and coworkers will get annoyed and upset if they have to do your work because you was too busy discussing your feelings regarding certain issues. Focus on your job responsibilities and watch what you say when your around other people.
8. Be understanding:
It is important on how you react to someone who you do not agree with at your place of employment. If somebody makes you upset, the best thing to do is to keep your opinions to yourself. At all times, you should avoid getting in to an argument with your coworkers. Listen to what they have to say but don’t get upset and angry.
9. Don’t hold a grudge:
Do not carry a grudge with someone who doesn’t agree with what you believe in. If a person hurts your feelings at work don’t hold it against them. Remember that you have to work with your other coworkers and you don’t want to have any hard feelings from your previous conversations.
When it comes to talking about politics in the workplace, play it safe and keep it brief. Often, political conversations quickly turn ugly and you don’t want to be the person who gets the rest of the office upset because your forcing your political opinions on others.
