Regardless of which end of the political spectrum you reside, or how much time you invest in politics in general, everyone is caught up with politics right now. From the Republican debates, and the upcoming Democratic debate, politics tends to take over our lives in the year leading up to a presidential election -- even making its way into the office with colleagues. Sure, talking sports, or what you did last weekend, are daily interactions with coworkers, but for the next year, politics will be on the tip of everyone's tongue. With that, some unmannerly colleagues insist on taking their political philosophies with them to every meeting and coffee break, and nothing good can come from talking politics in the office.
What people tend to forget is that "discussing" politics in the office isn't like talking about recipes or what new shows to binge-watch on Netflix. In fact, it's not really a discussion at all. It's more yelling, fighting and trying to "out-statistic" your fellow cube-mate with why your politician is right, their person is so wrong. Let's be honest, has anyone ever really "won" an argument about politics with a coworker? It always ends with an eye roll, a deep breath of frustration and mumbling expletives under your breath about that person, while you sulk back to your desk.
At the end of the day, waving the flag for a certain candidate or political is something you should stay away from at work. Don't get me wrong, you should have your beliefs and act on them in off hours in any way that you see fit, but we all know that politics can really offend people. I'm sure you've seen this happen. Someone puts up a sign or poster advocating for one candidate and the guy in the cubicle next door is steaming mad.
However, for those that doubt any conflict will arise, and still feel you absolutely have to talk politics at work, do it in a very small group of very close colleagues; colleagues who you regularly hang out with outside of work and who won't be offended if your viewpoint clashes with theirs. Notice, I said "colleagues," not bosses. Refrain from bringing up political talk with your boss at all costs!
The bottom line: Whether you work in a small, friendly, family-based office or in a huge corporation with thousands of employees, discussing politics in the office will always end up backfiring on you (unless you work for a politician). So, before you get the itch to stomp the hallways for your candidate, take it down a couple notches and leave all the political topics at home. Although you may feel comfortable, the office is not your home, and being too open about your political beliefs can ruin a relationship with colleagues, and may be detrimental to your career.
So, has anyone dealt with this in their office? Let me know by commenting below or sending an email to manners@quickanddirtytips.com. Follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT, and grab a copy of my book, Reply All... And Other Ways to Tank Your Career for great tips and advice on job success. It's available now!