Interesting discussion we’ve been having in one of the online venues I connect on. The question was posed:
Should business, politics and social views mix? This is one of my favorite topics so I was quite interested in what people were saying their opinions were and I was quite surprised. But as an introvert, I am compelled take the conversation deeper.
Fair play? Respectful? Fear? Baggage? They all weigh into play.
Just broaching the issue of such conversations is fair play. Sometimes people hesitate to even bring up such conversations. What cleared the way to do so in this venue was the media attention (or lack of it) on the recent Chick-fil-A’s CEO views about same sex marriage. Then right behind that incident was another in Virginia. A small business bakery owner used his freedom to refuse to serve VP Joe Biden while on a campaign stop. So even though in the USA we have the freedom to talk about anything, including politics, religion and sex, we find that taking such actions are taboo in life and business.
Politics and religious talk can be at a respectful level. Really? I’ve rarely found that to be the case but it is certainly what I aspire to do. One commenter on the discussion made a distinction, “disagreeing and disagreeable are entirely two different things – avoid people that don’t know the difference.” My husband puts it a different way. He’s agnostic and I am a believer, so we often ourselves in heated discussions. Knowing he comes from a position of “just don’t shove your religion down my throat” guides me most of the time with what and how I say things that might be important in my evaluation at the time.
We avoid the big issues of life because of fear. It may have little to do with my being an opinionated introvert, or nothing like that, but this caught me by surprise that what has many of us avoid such important conversations is fear – fear of giving people reasons not to do business with them. There was also the fear of the conversation leading to arguments most of the time. But what if, just what if, we can learn to discuss such important issues so that we could come to some agreements? It seems we would want to. Because, as one conversationalist posted, if we hold back important conversations, aren’t we succumbing to what some believe to be a systematic control of the masses? Isn’t that what being politically correct means? Fear and control could virtually hurt any of us already engaging in such conversations and being better for it.
Just like we carry luggage on a flight, in our avoidance of discussions of important issues, our nature is we carry in our viewpoints. Why would a small business bakery owner decide to take a stand and a sandwich shop across the street say yes? How could the CEO of Chick-fil-A publicly state his opposition to same sex marriage? They each applied the very freedom they have in the land of the free. Clearly they each recognized what they might be risking. We know for a fact that it didn’t hurt Chick-fill-A. And neither of these business owners “pushed” their personal views but instead carried them with themselves into the public.
It was an intriguing discussion that has universal consideration. In the end I’d say if there were any conclusions, which there were not, we have to agree to disagree just discussing the issue. That’s acceptable. It’s a model of sorts.
We were able to discuss a heated issue, making our views heard. We made our points heard without being disrespectful. As a typical introvert who is fueled to contemplate issues like this, I now have more information to process in my own actions. In the end we each get to make that choice as to if we talk politics, religion, even sex, and when, and with whom.
My biggest take away was a quote that someone left on the board, “You can ignore reality, but you can’t ignore the consequences of ignoring reality,” Ayn Rand.
So let me ask you the question as it was posed on the forum: Should business, politics and social mix?
Personally I do not mix any of those subjects. I stay away from politics and religion entirely, even within my own household. Most people do not understand how to have conversations about these subjects and walk away from them remaining friends. People get too passionate when they speak about these subjects and can’t seem to let go of it when the conversation is over. So there you go… I avoid those subjects and will not mix them with social in any way.
Geek Girl, you’ve hit on something SO important: people don’t understand how to talk about the subjects, remain respectful and keep their friendships. Maybe discussing it in an online forum somehow made it cooler.
Bob_Mc, it was NEVER an intention to get your blood boiling. Only to discuss the why, how, when of it all.
I like what you said that it’s smarter to appreciate differences. So under that umbrella, if we can somehow, tone down the emotion to find common ground we might be able to then, move to greater understanding which then would have appreciation right behind it.
Thanks!
A conversation I had with a girl in my past life–a girl I tried to impress–went sour when we talked about religion. I expressed my views (which I want reveal) and she expressed hers–much more avidly. The evening turned into a total bust. My take-away from that is to stay away from religion.
In terms of politics, I have the same policy. People are very invested in politics, particularly now. As a workshop facilitator, I MUST avoid the controversial topics, which is a great relief for me.
Fear? Maybe. Smart? Definitely. Smarter to appreciate differences, most definitely. But in even our society people become too emotional and resort to crazy things like denying certain populations service. Why?
Boy, you got my blood boiling, Pat.
I agree with Susan and Cheryl aka Geek Girl: politics and business don’t mix. When it comes to religion, I am happy to talk about Judaism with anyone, as it is more explanatory than anything else. I talk politics with my husband – he has been a big influence for me in that area (he’s a news junkie, but I’m a blog junkie, so we complement each other).
When people have strong political opinions and they voice them as though they are right and they are right and did I mention that they are totally right, I tend to turn off what they are saying and move on to something else.
I am generally in the class of “I don’t mix the two”. It was a practice that held me in good stead in the corporate world… for professional survival… good, bad or indifferent. It simply kept the peace, allowing or a more productive and harmonious workplace. On the personal side I’m with Geek Girl. I would rather not harm a friendship and so I keep my opinions to myself. When it becomes difficult not kept my silence I always remember that any person has a right to their own opinions and we can agree to disagree. In the end I still have the right to vote with my heart and mind. Have a great week-end my friend.
In the corporate I was always polite and careful when it came to the 3 taboo’s but now that I left the financial world behind I am still always careful to keep an open mind on various subjects… but I guess I’m in trouble writing my book as there is the one taboo I don’t stay quiet about! lol
Susan, keeping the peace and friendships are priorities. As Kenny Rogers sang, “you have to know when to hold them, know when to fold them and know when to run.” Thanks.
Hey Leora. It’s the explanations from the other views I most enjoy. Not “do this my way,” but rather, “here’s what we do.” Thanks.
There is a difference between the US and Europe when it comes to such subjects. You are more puritanical in your part of the world.
Having said that I personally think it’s better to leave politics out of business discussions. The reason for that is, as you say, fear. The irony of that is that politics and business are closely related. The policies of politicians in power determine to some extent what happens to our businesses.
Sex should not be discussed in a business meeting but personally have no problem with talking about religion. The latter could be because I am of the opinion that all religions have in common the fact that they believe in a higher power. Call it God, Allah, Buddha or whatever. So discussing religion has never been a problem for me.
Thanks Leanne. What resonated with me is what you said about – the energy it takes to avoid some conversations. That is part of my often bringing things up in a safe group because as an introvert, an energy leak, can become an energy drain. I love what you said about our founding fathers because – I absolutely have a picture of them discussing, debating and being passionate about their beliefs.
LOL Catarina. You are spot on about our culture and it does affect a good deal of us being afraid to face some bigger issues. Thanks for clarifying how you approach certain topics differently. I’m headed over to YOUR most insightful blog.
Sometimes the elephant in the room (politics) takes so much energy to walk around and avoid, it is far easier to address it. However, such discussions require a high degree of emotional intelligence.
The question to consider if by our avoidance of politics would we be where we are now?
And was not our country born because of politics in business? Imagine our founding fathers being fearful of discussing politics and religion. Would we be the greatest country in the world? Maybe this goes back to the Ayn Rand quote you ended this posting.
Thanks, well written,
Leanne Hoagland-Smith
Quite well said Keyuri. What if – just what if – we could start such conversations with an intention of, “What can I learn so I can find some agreement from someone with the opposite view?” That would be listening to understand instead of listening to reply – or even argue. Thanks.
It would be nice if these things could mix. For that to happen, every individual would need to be a peak maturity. Therein lies the problem! Discussions could indeed be wonderful if all the parties could handle the disagreement. If everyone wants only their opinion to be heard and for their opinion to be the only correct one, problems occur. I recently came across the quote which I think summarizes my thoughts exactly:
“All communication problems are due the reason that… we do not listen to understand, we listen only to reply.
I’m careful with how I mix these conversations. I won’t really even get into them unless I know the person, know their motives, and know how they’ll react. I guess that’s taking the safe way out, but I’ve screwed up too many times in the past and have gotten into huge arguments that weren’t worth it!
Great article! I have found that, while I am not at all afraid of having those kinds of conversations, they rarely go well. I am not challenged with remaining respectful in my discourse…but it seems that respect is hard to find. Civility flies out the window when having conversations on these topics…so I avoid them.
But I need to stress that it’s not at all out of fear. It’s just common sense. Why have an argument when you can have a peaceful day? There are more than enough people who will broach these subjects and have arguments on their walls on in their comment threads. I’d rather not. After all…nothing usually gets solved.
To date, I have not seen one major topic up for debate in any of these areas that has gained a real resolution. Have you?
Great article, lady! Thank you for this!
Those criteria: know the person, know their motives, know how they’ll react – while maybe safe, are also sound guidance. Thanks.
Hi Patricia, I’m a believer and the same disagreements keep coming up in my house too. Outside from my home I usually keep away from the topics you mention because they can hurt business. I don’t think Chick-fil-As CEO meant for it to be such a big deal but people really jumped on it and defended something they really believe in. I heard that business actually jumped. But yes, I really try to keep away from subjects like this and we’re lucky to live in a country where anybody can speak their own mind. One of my mentors mentioned to stay away from them in business too.
Take care!
Rick
While I do have political and religious view points, I won’t express them on social media. I believe not wearing my religion for others to see. But, I sure can accommodate some one wearing a cross as earrings. When the view points are expressed not to hurt others and not to shove it down others throat, I don’t mind discussing.
Many people love to play safe and avoid such discussions. They don’t remember that on a free country, everybody have the freedom to express their views.
I typically avoided these conversations in the past it is interesting to here what people have to say as long as emotions don’t get the best of them.
I do find that politics and religion carry quite a bit of anger and biased oppinions. I have seen many friendships end this way.
The biggest chalenge comes when it becomes a way to convince you otherwise rather that just a freedom of expression.
good topic
I agree, don’t talk politics unless you’re sure the person is on your political wavelength. Why aggravate yourself. My brothers are diametrically opposed to my political POVs so we just don’t discuss politics. You could really mess up a client relationship if you had a contrarian view. Would have nothing to do with your competence but accounts have been lost for less than that.
Hi, Pat, I don’t believe they can mix well together because they would bring about strife, discontent and worries. It is said that private life must be kept out of business. People mix politics with business and succeed but I would not mix business with politics.
Patrick there seems to be a common thread here for some of us commenting: discussions along these lines derail themselves. People tend to dig in to their own position instead of listening to learn. Thanks.
Rick yes; it seems that a big driver, understandably so, is we don’t want to hurt our business. Thanks!
Paul VERY interesting statement you make” “People mix politics with business and succeed but I would not mix business with politics.” I’m reading both business and politics and at the same time seeing the order in their use change. That has me very curious.
Bindhurani yes; I see from the discussion that playing it safe is a motivating factor in our deciding not to mix discussions.
Jeannette, it seems like the consensus from some loyal blog commenters here is – play it safe and avoid the headache. Thanks.
Great topic, Pat, not one I run into every day.
The short answer is that I wouldn’t generally mix these topics in my business life. Can you say, “Oil and Water?”
The first rule of business is to not give your customers or potential customers a reason to not be your customer.
(Can’t figure out if that was a simple double negative or a triple negative in that last sentence!)
Here’s the thing—you have literally nothing to gain and everything to lose by shoving your crazed, possibly moronic, border line psychopathic beliefs down the throats of somebody who’ll want to literally vomit after you’re done with your little spiel.
(Of course, there’s the off chance that the customer will be in complete concurrence with you. Oh Goody! And your shared ideology will in fact bind the two of you together like Siamese twins intertwined by a shared brain stem.)
As a business owner I’ve had this preemptive, hopefully preventative conversation with employees as I recite from an employee handbook that I’d simply made up on the spot. I tell them I could care less what their religion or politics is. The reason I could care less is that I hope to never learn exactly what it is.
I go on further to tell them that in chapter two of the imaginary handbook it states: Don’t bring it to the workplace. Don’t feel compelled to advertise your faith, pass out pamphlets, give away tracts, invite to gatherings, recite from any text, offer to heal, exorcise demons, break into song, speak in tongues, or do a friggin’ rain dance—with any of my clients as witnesses.
Further, don’t inform us whether you vote democrat, republican or independent—or any lesser known persuasions.
And don’t offer to perform oral on any of the clients if they sign on the dotted line!
Chapter 3 of the handbook lets them know that the company has been thoughtful enough to set aside a special sanctuary for all religious worship, political ranting, and sexual deviancy. It’s called, “Not At My Place Of Business!)
I offer to give them the address if they so desire.
Now, for a complete about-face: As a blog writer this is exactly the kind of topic one should write about. It’s the perfect medium–controversial, provocative, and it gets folk’s blood boiling.
Even better, anyone daring to engage their audience in this way is likely to receive hate mail, possibly death threats—and that most desired currency of the blogging realm–traffic.
How nice!
And even though your blog readers are in effect—potential clients—if they truly knew how to read they probably had an inkling of what they were in for when they came jitterbugging onto your web page.
On your site you can pontificate on whatever subject you damn well please.