How to Talk Politics at Work Without Getting Fired

How to Talk Politics at Work Without Getting FiredYou know its a potential minefield to start discussing the hot button controversial political topics of the day while at work. You can never assume what your coworkers believe or how they vote, and it can cause real strifeeven rifts. Worst case scenario, you might be prompted to say something inappropriate or snide in the heat of the moment and, yes, you could get fired for such an offense. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Then again, these are strmisch times and sometimes political discussions simply cant be helped. Here are a few rules to steer you clear of the worst kinds of fall-out.1. Respect boundaries.Not everyone wants to talk politics at work. Some people will go to great lengths to avoid it, and you should respect that. Never try to drag any clearly unwilling or hesitant participants into a verbal brawl. If they tell you theyd rather not discuss it, let the topic drop when in the ir earshot. Also be aware if youve trapped any innocent bystanders or passersby in a conversation they would rather avoid. Read body language and dont get too swept away that youre failing to pay attention to the people you are with.2. Dont assume anyone will agree with you.It is dangerous to assume that your coworkers, no matter how well you get along, will agree with you politically. Maybe they grieved deeply over the last election result and you didnt. Maybe its the other way around. Keep an open mind to this, and dont ruffle any feathers.3. Be respectful.Even if you find out a coworker believes the exact opposite of what you believeand you find their position incomprehensible and even outright wrongrespect them. You dont have to agree with them or make them feel good about their views, but you do have to treat them like a human. Its a very divided time. Take the opportunity to learn a little about what makes the other side tick. Theyre very unlikely to change your mind, but you might put a human face to a point of view you didnt understand before. Try to find some small piece of common ground. Thats a win right there4. Follow the rules.Find out and then follow whatever regulations HR has set up for your workspace. If youre not allowed to pimp out your cubicle with election propaganda, say, you might want to keep that Obmanos sticker at home or on your car. And leave the pin on your going-out jacket, rather than your work one.5. Keep your guard up.Your coworkers arent the only ones who might be exposed by political discussions. Keep in mind that you might be judged by others for having the opinions and beliefs you do. Be a little careful in what you share with whom. Try to save the real debates for coworkers and friends you absolutely know and trust.6. Stay away from the third rail.Politics is one thing, but jumping into the hottest issues that most inflame tempers is almost always a bad idea at work. Treat things like abortion and same-sex marriageno matte r how absolute and morally upright your stanceas off-limits.7. Know when to quit.If youve gotten so far into a conversation without anyone getting angry or alienated, consider that a win. Find a way to back out of the conversation for that day and live to tell the tale. Congratulations, youve just pulled off the almost impossible