Sometimes in a sensitive office environment, actions speak louder that words.
Posted on 08/30/2008 10:04:27 PM PDT by NoRedTape
How Do You Handle Office Politics?
Most people (fortunately) in my Office are Conservative Republicans. But there are 2-3 of 35 who are nice folk, but they are Liberal as the day is long. I have not time for them in discussion. And I like to talk politics. One of them, today, began discussions on how poorly GW has done and some kind of bologna on Palin. I cut him short (without going off on him) and I reminded him GW is a GREAT President and that Sarah was a most excellent choice. This dufus still tried to slink-in the 'ol lib BS.
It was all quite weird because everyone knows this one goof is a Lib (but likeable). So.....how do you handle water-cooler talk? And how do you handle the numbskulls?
Most people (fortunately) in my Office are Conservative Republicans. But there are 2-3 of 35 who are nice folk, but they are Liberal as the day is long. I have not time for them in discussion. And I like to talk politics. One of them, today, began discussions on how poorly GW has done and some kind of bologna on Palin. I cut him short (without going off on him) and I reminded him GW is a GREAT President and that Sarah was a most excellent choice. This dufus still tried to slink-in the 'ol lib BS.
It was all quite weird because everyone knows this one goof is a Lib (but likeable). So.....how do you handle water-cooler talk? And how do you handle the numbskulls?
Fire the lib.Problem solved.
I refuse to talk religion, politics or sexual things at work. I REALLY LIKE MY JOB! I’m a smoker. When that crap starts, I head for the door. Discussing politics with DemocRATS is like discussing the Theory of relativity with the vacuum cleaner guy at a car wash.
You don’t talk about politics. If some idiot starts breaking into a rant, nod agreeably and let them talk until someone else complains or they piss off the boss. You don’t get to express your true opinions at work, period. You do so at considerable peril except when you sense there is an opening. More to the point, getting involved in workplace politics is normally bad enough as it is.
Sometimes in a sensitive office environment, actions speak louder that words.
As part of my old job, I had to put up with a Missouri professor type who went out of his way to be insulting to me prior to the last election. He was certain that Kerry was going to win, which should demonstrate clearly that he was and still is stupid.
At any rate, unless your business is, in fact, politics, there should be no discussion of this at work. If the Liberal brings up something, simply smile and say, "it's great that you have an opinion on this topic. But, it is critical that you focus on our customers rather than talking about your opinion on this matter."
In my current job, we have 2 guys in the office who are Obama supporters. One of the guys is smart enough to not share that opinion with others. The other guy is just stupid.
I hear ya. But, we're a pretty "open office". I really don't care what I say. There won't be any repercussions with the "boss", because I do a ton of work for him (and he's pretty neutral on politics). I plan to make and wear a NOBama shirt within the next two weeks. That should get some folks talkin'. Like I said, I really don't care what others think.
I’m self-employed and have been for over 20 years, so my view may not be applicable.
I categorize this type of situation as “NPG” = No Possible Gain. There’s simply nothing you can gain from participating in such chatter. And as I see it, you gain poise and distinguish yourself from the yakkers by staying clear. Your boss doesn’t pay you to chat with your co-workers and you sure aren’t going to convert them.
I live in No. Cal (lib central) at the moment and the number of upper-middle-class and (you’d think) pretty smart folks I run into who have the Obama books piled up on their coffee tables and are just gaga over this punk is both discouraging and mind blowing. The other day at a gathering I heard a few of them discussing where (meaning other states) they should travel to as Obama volunteers so as to do the most good. Me? I just don’t even get involved. Won’t even start.
We took it as a compliment so left them up.
I'm Statler according to the picture.
Luckily, despite living and working in New Jersey, in deep blue Mercer County (home of Princeton University and Trenton) most of my coworkers are McCain supporters.
Good advice. But I'm a California Native. I grew up with Ronald Reagan as our great Governor......and then of course as President. I really don't care if I engage in friction with Libs. They can slink away while I carry-on with my pro-Republican points. I really don't care. It's like spraying the room with Lysol.
Very good advice! I do the same. We do have one person that is hooked on the Obama kolaid, and he talks politics with everyone, and most of the time it's a one way conversation with him as he is alone in his views. Occasionally I'll break my rules and put the smackdown on him if I'm in just the right mood, and he isn't letting up.
Bottom line, is I believe at work people should drop their religion and political views at the door, and not discuss either with other employees.
Hate to say this, but the solution is simple:
DON’T talk politics at work. And don’t play politics at work.
Work. :)
I have a gal at work who started talking about what a great prez Obama would make. I laughed, shook my head and walked away. She almost chased me to the parking lot...wanting to know why I had that reaction. I briefly made a few key points about Obama’s associates, lack of experience and his mentors....then said, “Toodles...see ya later!” She hasn’t mentioned his name again. Libs really are in the dark about this guy. All they care about is the package...not what’s in it.
(PS) I’m in the Central Valley of California, having escaped from the idiocy of Los Angeles, recently. The Central Valley from what I’ve found is mostly Republican. I’ve only seen one “Obama” sign thus far in some chump’s window. I will speak my mind on how bad NObama will be to anyone that will listen. I won’t get fired because we are all Independent Contractors. Don’t care what flack I get (and I’ll get very little since 80% are Republicans).
I’d say tread carefully and combine that with determining what stage of liberal dementia they are in. If it’s the early stages, then you can provide them with facts in a light-toned way. If they are already mush brained, it will be too late and all you can do is smile and let the election results do the talking.
And you're not an Okie or Cholo? God help you!
having escaped from the idiocy of Los Angeles, recently
Well, now it all makes sense. :)
Great fruits and veggies in your area, despite the smog and the El Caminos, but you knew that already.
Did you educate them on who Marx was and his ideology and why those principles are complete opposites of this great nation and all our founders willed for us?
Okie?
I know the original meaning, but what’s an Okie please?
(having not yet escaped from Los Angeles)
:)
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