Arguing, fighting, namecalling, attack, and violence are not good ways to productively disagree. One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply ask about the other person’s opinion and why they hold it. This framework keeps the conversation from spiraling.It also gives you a way to stay calm when the subject is emotionally loaded.
For over 30 years, David Grossman, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder & CEO of The Grossman Group, has helped leaders drive productivity and get the results they want through authentic and courageous leadership and communication. He’s a sought-after speaker, advisor to Fortune 500 leaders, and award-winning, six-time author. Leaders can simply remind employees of the divisive political atmosphere and the need to treat each other with respect and refrain from political speech that may offend a colleague. Share with employees that your organization does not tolerate religious, racial, sexual or political discrimination of any kind. Also be aware that some of what you see online may not be created by your fellow voters at all. Foreign governments including Russia, Iran and China are trying to spread divisive messaging and misinformation in order to exacerbate polarization and influence U.S. elections.
The key isn’t to demand total silence on political issues – that’s both unrealistic and, frankly, unfair. People are passionate, and political discussions can be healthy, as long as they’re respectful and don’t interfere with work. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels respected, no matter where they stand on the political spectrum. In a recent survey of more than 900 workers, nearly 70% said they were not comfortable talking politics at work. And, while 64% indicated that they respect their co-workers’ rights to their political beliefs, 33% said they have judged co-workers negatively based on their political beliefs. More than half of respondents would consider leaving their job if their employer openly expressed political beliefs with which they disagreed.
Silence by the organization overall might be an expedient strategy when disputes don’t have direct relevance to its core function. Our current atmosphere of political polarization did not develop overnight, and it will not be dismantled by snapping our fingers or engaging in wishful thinking. However, a concerted community response can begin to foster a culture of civil discourse and create a civic space that can transform citizenship in the future. Keep in mind that politics is an expression of identity and often a core part of a person’s identity. So when we talk about politics, we are expressing beliefs, values and what’s important to us. Think about these discussions as a way to get to understand a person first, then you can engage more with the particular policies that might arise in the discussion.
She was running a booth with her red co-chair Elizabeth Christensen, who usually votes Republican, to facilitate dialogue with fairgoers. Labels can dehumanize the opposing side especially when they don’t reflect the complexity of people’s views. It can be hard to talk about politics, even with the people we love.
Or they listened to a political ad or news report that riled them up on the way to the office. Or they pulled their car into the office parking lot and saw an offensive political statement prominently displayed on the rear window of a car. In this example, the speaker blames the other person for their emotional response, implying that the other person’s views are the cause of their anger. This escalates tension and shifts responsibility for the speaker’s emotions onto the other person, making the conversation more confrontational.
What Happens When We Stop Trying To Win A Difficult Conversation?
It is impossible to guarantee that employees will agree on their political beliefs. Instead, prudent employers can reaffirm the importance of respectful and professional workplace communications, rather than focusing on how to restrict employee speech. As Election Day nears, employers across the country may be wondering how they can properly address political discussions in the workplace.
If someone you don’t know is trying to engage with you on social media, often it is best not to engage back. Spend your energy in social spaces where people are wanting to discuss rather than attack or react. This Q&A offers strategies best-dates.io for discussing political issues with friends and family while minimizing tension. By keeping a few key points in mind, these conversations can remain productive and may even enhance mutual understanding. If a political discussion with a friend repeatedly turns into conflict, it might be time to establish boundaries.
When political conversations escalate, recognize the signs—raised voices, aggressive body language, or personal attacks. Typically, political discussions involve differing opinions and perspectives. Empathy and active listening are crucial in understanding the other person’s point of view, even if you disagree. By doing so, you can create a safe and respectful environment for open discussion.
This type of language is inflammatory because it directly attacks the intelligence and character of those who hold opposing views. Phrases like « ignorant » and « anyone with a brain » are designed to provoke emotional reactions rather than foster understanding. It shifts the conversation from discussing the issue at hand to making personal accusations, which escalates conflict and shuts down productive dialogue. With respect to political discussions, employers may not prohibit conversations relating to labor or working conditions, even if those conversations are couched in terms of politics or current events.
A Productive Political Conversation Between People Who Disagree? (copy)
No email, phone number, or personal information required to sign up. Discuss conservative and liberal politics, controversial topics, and election debates while preserving your complete anonymity and political freedom. I believe we can benefit from taking the risk to engage in political conversations with those close to us, by considering some fundamentals of conflict. A number of years ago, I was invited to participate in a small Los Angeles-based symposium for facilitators of Palestinian/Israeli dialogue groups.
How To Talk Politics Without Triggering Anxiety Or Rejection
Republicans are far more willing than Democrats to have friends they disagree with on “whether or not Trump was a good president” (81%), racism in America (67%), and mask-wearing (73%). Both Democrats and Republicans who participated in our survey indicated several reasons why they found these conversations difficult and unconstructive. Many felt that those with opposing views relied on opinions rather than facts, for example, or they seemed unwilling to listen or modify their views. This made me wonder how the leader’s direct reports and others in the room might have felt. Did they feel minimized for having a different view and silenced for having an opposing opinion from their boss?
- If the discussion is happening online, this can also look like putting your phone down for a few hours and turning it on “do not disturb” so you aren’t tempted with notifications.
- At its heart, civil discourse in schools depends on deliberately creating a safe, inclusive, and thoughtful shared space.
- No email, phone number, or personal information required to sign up.
- We discussed issues that we, a group of Americans, all cared about.
- Approaching conversations this way not only diffuses tension but nurtures empathy and connection.
She saw her own family-owned business embroiled in differences, leading to dashed dreams, damaged relationships, and broken hearts. She turned these early experiences into a lifeline for smart people who fear conflict by bringing in the brain science behind blow-ups and emotional reactions. In most cases, knowing when to exit a conversation is just as important as knowing how to engage in one. Excusing yourself politely and respectfully can help you avoid unnecessary conflict and maintain a positive relationship with the other person. Being prepared with a graceful exit strategy can make a significant difference in navigating challenging conversations.
Not long ago, large majorities of Americans were uncomfortable with their child marrying someone who was different from them in terms of race or religion, or marrying someone who was the same gender. Only 4% of Americans, for example, approved of Black-white marriages in 1958. Years ago Israel began listening to a cassette tape recording of a loving-kindness meditation recorded by Sharon Salzberg. She says it brought her a sense of calm and helped build a sense of empathy for others. In a polarized situation, people are very empathetic toward people on their own side, but very not empathetic toward people on the other side, Israel says.
When it’s your turn to speak, it helps to explain how the issue affects you on a personal level. Instead, she recommends « appealing to others’ better angels rather than their inner statistician. » Don’t attack someone’s personal beliefs either, because as Tamerius explains, we have strong emotional attachments to them. « You need to be understanding of the intention behind the word, » says Joyner.
