Tuesday, May 22, 2018

The Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review

May 22, 2018

Don't Let Political Discussions Distract Your Team from Their Work

With our 24/7 news cycle, it's inevitable that political topics will come up at the office. As a manager, how can you make sure these conversations don't distract your team? Think about what kinds of situations and topics might trigger a sharp exchange among employees. Do your best to avoid anything that might ignite a partisan debate, but have a plan to handle conflict if it happens. When tensions do flare up, talk individually to the people involved, and listen to their points of view. Then ask them to put aside their disagreements and focus on the shared goal of helping the team succeed. Of course, if a political discussion is relevant to solving a business question, go for it — but proceed cautiously, monitor the discussion's mood, and restore balance when needed. Above all, be an example for your team by respecting diverse political views.

Adapted from "My Office Is Full of Both Conservatives and Liberals. Here's How I Keep Us Focused on Work," by Karen Firestone


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