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The Cubicle Chick Do, The Cubicle Chick Don't, The Water Cooler · April 13, 2010

5 Ways To Avoid Polarizing Topics In the Office


I remember when I was a teenager, my mom came home from work and told me the following phrase after a workplace melee: “Never discuss politics or religion in the office.”

That phrase has stuck with me as an adult. In the office, it is easy during water cooler conversations and downtime to strike up conversations that are not suitable for work. Discussions that cause heated exchanges, passionate rebuttals and the like can make the workplace a tense place to be. It can also turn into a personal disagreement.

My mother’s advice still rings true today. Politics and religion, when working with different people of all religious and political affiliations, is a hot bed of drama. The office is not the type of place for those type of discussions. You need to steer clear.

Here are five ways that you can avoid polarizing topics in the office:

  • Give a disclaimer- If someone brings up a topic that makes you uncomfortable or that can cause a debate that has nothing to do with the office, let the person or people know that you are not down to discuss such issues. If it continues, simply walk away and remove yourself from the situation.
  • Do Not Forward Political or Situation Biased Emails- Emails that are hot bed topics with political and religious or sexual in nature should not be forwarded around the office. These types of emails only anger those who the email is targeting and is not considered professional office behavior. It also may be against your office policy.
  • Birds of a Feather- Usually boisterous and aggressive people flock together. Also those with like minds and similar thoughts on current issues gravitate towards one another. Avoidance of being associated with these groups will usually help keep you out of the fray, and keep the polarizing topics from knocking on your door.
  • Opinionated Much? I am just as opinionated as the next person but when it comes to the office, I do not let my opinions be known when it comes to religion and politics. People can assume what party I belong to, but I do not ever give leeway for my coworkers to discuss it with me. if its not about work or a possible lighthearted discussion, I do not take part.
  • Think Fast- You may be brought into a heated topic without even knowing it. Make sure you are fast on your feet and  make clear that you do not want to be involved. Remove yourself from the discussion. The faster, the better. And if the problem has gotten too out of hand, speak with management.

Office debates can be great when they are about office issues and business only. But when it becomes personal, it can get out of hand quickly. Act fast, use the tips above to help remove yourself from the situation.


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In: The Cubicle Chick Do, The Cubicle Chick Don't, The Water Cooler · Tagged: Human Resources, office issues, politics, religion, workplace issues

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Comments

  1. 1hunid says

    April 13, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    I'll do you one better. Dont talk in the office about anything NOT work related. Nevermind. Im just anti-social so that only works for me.

    Reply

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My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. My first full day at #essencefest is in the books. It’s very—different from years past, but I’m proud to be covering it this year. 🙌🏾
Awesome human. Magna Cum Laude. Editor-in-Chief. Awesome human. 
Magna Cum Laude.
Editor-in-Chief.
School podcaster.
Quill and Scroll recipient.
Citizenship award winner.
Spirit of Excellence  Award 8 yrs. running. 
Class of 2022. 
Job well done, daughter!
P R O M. That’s the caption. P R O M. That’s the caption.
You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar You done good, young lady. Now it’s time to soar. 🎓#classof2022
Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! Laylah is off Happy #NationalCollegeDecisionDay! 

Laylah is officially registered at St. John’s University and will begin her freshman year in August as a Public Relations Major. I’m so proud of her hard work and dedication—proud of the young woman that she has become.
Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. Dan Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.. 

Danyelle Little, the NEW Director of Marketing and Communications at @rungforwomen . Been sitting on this for a while—now it’s officially official. 🙌🏾
Happy 28th birthday to the best son a mom could ev Happy 28th birthday to the best son a mom could ever have. Kind. Supportive. Talented. Creative. Caring. Smart. Courageous. The list goes on and on. You’ve overcome so much in the past year, and I know that God’s plan for you is working. I love you more than words can say. ❤️❤️❤️
And it’s official. Signed, sealed, delivered. Cl And it’s official. Signed, sealed, delivered. Class of 2026! 🙌🏾@stjohnsu #acceptedstudentday
Look for me in the Spring/Summer edition of St. Lo Look for me in the Spring/Summer edition of St. Louis Family Magazine—page 10 to be exact! I’m honored to be able to share a glimpse into my life as an author, Social Media Manager, and most importantly, a mom! 💕
And we have Book #2! My new novel, 'A Wedding On C And we have Book #2! My new novel, 'A Wedding On Clermont Lane', is now available! It's the sequel to my first novel 'Christmas On Clermont Lane', and if you loved the first one, just wait until you read the sequel.

That makes it two novels in five months, and I must say that while I missed my original deadline in February, I am so excited to have this one finished. The support you all showed me during the first release made me warm and fuzzy and so many of you reached out and asked when the next one would be. Well, here you go!

You can purchase 'A Wedding On Clermont Lane' on Amazon Prime, available in paperback for $10.99 and $7.99 for the eBook/Kindle edition. If you'd like a signed copy, a limited amount of copies are available. Hit the link in my bio.

I cannot wait for you to read this one and let me know your thoughts. Jasmine and The Robinson Family are back---and this time, it's for keeps!

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