Keeping Political Conversations Civil

Talking politics at work is generally frowned upon. When you spend eight hours a day with colleagues during a busy election cycle, however, political conversations are difficult to avoid. To foster mutual understanding and maintain a productive working atmosphere, it's important to find ways to keep the discussions civil and respectful.

Respect Different Opinions

Respect is the most important factor in keeping political conversations civil in the workplace. This is easier said than done, particularly when a colleague expresses an opinion that is diametrically opposed to your own. Show respect by listening carefully with a neutral expression and asking follow-up questions to help you understand where the other person is coming from. If it seems appropriate, explain your own viewpoint, backing it up with facts and verifiable statistics. Don't raise your voice or make incredulous facial expressions, even when you feel justified. By demonstrating genuine curiosity and keeping your reactions neutral, you can create a calm environment that enables respectful discussion.

Connect With Colleagues

Political conversations can be divisive, but they also offer a unique opportunity to find common ground. During a discussion, seek out points of agreement. If you don't agree about party orientation, for example, try talking about nonpartisan topics such as campaign finance or news coverage during an election cycle. Alternatively, look for similar motivations behind dramatically different beliefs. Once you build a foundation based on commonalities, it's easier to discuss differences objectively.

Avoid Emotional Topics

Political conversations are often charged with an undercurrent of emotion, particularly when the discussion involves deeply held beliefs. These intense feelings make it difficult to keep the conversation professional — and once a topic gets out of hand, it can damage working relationships. When in doubt, it's best to keep it light at work and stay away from polarizing topics. If you notice emotion starting to build, find a way to change the subject, introduce levity or end the conversation.

Don't Engage

Chances are, there are some people in your office who simply cannot carry on respectful political conversations. They may make themselves known with outrageous statements, loud discussions or the refusal to seek common ground. Once you spot one of these hotheaded colleagues, keep things civil by refusing to engage. When the person makes a statement that's designed to get a rise out of you, don't react. Make a polite excuse and leave the room, mention that you think the office is no place for politics or explain that you're too busy to talk. Without fuel for the fire, your colleague is likely to get bored or seek another audience.

It's not easy to keep political conversations civil, particularly if you hold strong and unwavering opinions. By exercising extreme respect and thinking before you speak, you can emerge from election season with your working relationships intact.

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