How to Handle a Boss Who Wants to Talk Politics (**and you're on the other team)

With the conventions almost out of the way and the VP picks for both parties wrapped up, it's officially election season.  A great time to live in the USA - unless you've got an engaged boss who's a <insert political party here so I don't offend liberal or conservatives>, and you?  Well, you're the opposite...

ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL... What do you do when your direct manager is a strong republican or democrat, and you're the opposite?  After all, the company's aware of their limitation in asking for your vote, but locally - as you walk into your manager's office and start some meaningless stage banter that turns to politics - the risks are more real...

Here's my 4-step program for steering clear of uncomfortable conversations when you're the opposite political persuasion than your boss:

1.  Keep Your Strongest Views Private - I know, I know, you've got the first amendment on your side.  Doesn't matter, there's no reason to risk falling out of favor because you've got a strong opinion about Iraq, public transit, taxes, etc.  Stick to pop culture, your family and sports.

2.  Tell the Boss You Like to Vote Issues, Not By Party Line - It's true for most of us, and it makes you look like a deep thinker.  Warning - you'll likely have to engage in discussion of "said issues".  That means you'll have to back that deep thinker tag up...

3.  Don't Recruit In the Workplace - If you're keeping your strongest views private with the boss, you probably don't want to have the McCain or Obama bumper sticker in your cube or car, or actively participate in across-the-cube banter about how the other party stinks.

4.  Stay Classy When You Get Good Results - Even if you don't follow the first three rules, never (NEVER) rub the nose of the boss in results negative to his/her professed set of views.  Talking about recent polls, negative events for the party of the boss, and god forbid - election results going your way instead of the bosses - can put you to the back of the depth chart quicker than anything else.

When you think of your first amendment rights, you are absolutely correct.  You have them, and that's a pretty cool thing about America.  With that said, learn from the Dixie Chicks - you can say whatever you want to say, but at the end of the day, people can listen and decide to disengage with you professionally.

Don't put yourself in the crossfire.  Take Kid Rock's advice, and be a moderate in the workplace...

Comments

[DB Reiff]

Another approach is to acknowledge that you and your boss (reporting employee, peer) have different perspectives on politics.

Then ask how the other person would like to deal with that difference and share how you would like to deal with it. It's a good opportunity to practice the Inquiry/Advocacy 80-20 ratio. You both might actually learn something and strengthen your working relationship at the same time.

[Rich Milgram]

Although it can sometimes be difficult to avoid political discussions with co-workers, there are a large number of people who are not comfortable sharing their political beliefs in the workplace. A recent poll of more than 6,000 participants conducted by Beyond.com found that more than 49% of professionals consider it inappropriate to discuss politics at work. To avoid conflict, it is best to keep your political opinions to yourself at the office. To access more tips on how to steer clear of uncomfortable conversations in the workplace, here is the link to “Better Think Twice Before Discussing Politics at Work”: http://www.employmentmetrix.com/blog/2008/06/better-think-tw.html