Water Cooler Talk

The topic of office conversations quite often turns to one of the same topics that you hear in coffee shops, book stores, college political science classrooms, or at home with the visiting relatives anywhere: politics. This is especially true given the current state of politics. With an increase in voting campaigns and no lack of hot button campaign topics people may feel more at ease talking politics. Take a look at this video clip from Vault.com to get a little slice of how politics is discussed in offices like yours:

http://www.vault.com/wps/portal/usa/videos-details?VIDEO_ID=3820#.TicTZDckAqA.blogger

So how do you ensure, as a human resource representative, that what began as a healthy debate does not escalate into a grievance by an offended employee? First, make sure that you establish some ground rules by example and organizational culture. Lets start with that healthy debating. It is better to discuss politics with a view to understanding the opposing position that to debate someone with the goal of making a "convert". Another tip - don't make it personal and don't take it personally. Remember that the best way to open up a dialogue (and get your views heard) is to seek common ground.