**Navigating Political Conflicts in the Workplace**
The US presidential election has highlighted the tensions and conflicts that can arise when people with different political beliefs interact at work. While it’s impossible to avoid disagreements altogether, there are ways to manage these conflicts and create a more peaceful working environment.
**Practice Humility**
To cultivate a humble mindset, employees and executives should recognize that no one has all the right answers. This means being open to new ideas and perspectives, and avoiding the reflexive belief in one’s own infallibility.
“Being exposed to strongly held beliefs that run counter to one’s own values can lead to people feeling mistreated or unsafe,” said Ron Gutman, an adjunct professor of leadership at Stanford University. “You need to create trust in people, to bring back the trust in each other.”
**Find Your Supporters and Know Your Rights**
If you feel like your views are being marginalized or attacked, it’s essential to find allies who can support you. Knowing your rights and checking workplace policies for unacceptable speech and behavior can also help.
“If political talk feels like a personal attack, you may need to find allies who can help you process what you’re hearing and feeling,” said psychologist Alfiee Breland-Noble.
**Look for Common Ground**
When attempting to resolve conflicts, seeking common ground can be an effective way forward. This means listening to and acknowledging the other person’s perspective, and finding shared values or goals.
“We can say something like, ‘I haven’t heard of that or thought of that before. Thank you for sharing,'” said Inclusivv CEO Jenn Graham. “And that simple act of ‘thank you for sharing,’ with gratitude and humility combined, creates a reciprocity for that brave space, for that psychological safety.”
**Foster Fun Conversations**
Managers can create rituals to build trust within an organization by encouraging employees to share what’s important to them. This can include discussing hobbies, ideas, or family experiences.
“At Intrivo, we have a weekly gathering where one person presents on a topic they’re passionate about,” said Ron Gutman. “It can be super technical or super silly.”
**Know When to Walk Away**
In situations where a discussion is getting heated, it’s sometimes best to remove oneself from the conflict or keep views to oneself. Leaders may want to consider abstaining from sharing their political views, which may alienate some workers.
“It’s not about silencing your beliefs,” said Jake Telkamp, an assistant professor at Augusta University in Georgia. “It’s more about keeping the workplace focused on the work.”
Read More @ apnews.com