No one is immune to the firestorm of political controversies sweeping the country this week – opinions surrounding race, patriotism and more, resulting in many water cooler debates.
So, how do you keep peace in the workplace?
• Managers — set the tone by showcasing respect for opposing views.
• Encourage in-person interaction – talking face-to-face can help avoid misinterpretations that arise behind the keyboard.
• Establish a civil culture where everyone understands company policy. Promote rules of engagement for internal non-workplace discussions.
Bottom line: be tactful, stay calm, ask questions and encourage open dialogue. Freedom of speech is the American way!
– Margrette Mondillo, Goodwin Group PR