Politics is divisive. The left and right seem to be further apart than ever before. So how do you stay neutral and avoid getting dragged into the mud? This is actually more important if you have a business.
Don’t Take Everything at Face Value
It’s easy to assume you know where a person’s views lie, but that doesn’t mean you’re right. If a friend or family member begins talking about their political beliefs, listen carefully to what they say and don’t assume you know where they stand.
If you’re in a debate with someone, don’t assume you know where they stand either. Listen to what they have to say. Ask questions to clarify their position. If you can’t understand their viewpoint, no matter how wrong you might think it is, you can’t have a productive conversation.
Be Aware of Your Environment
If you work with people who are all on one side of the political spectrum, it might feel almost impossible not to get drawn into the debate.
You may even find yourself feeling pressured to take sides. If you’re in a situation like this, you may want to be more selective about what you share about yourself.
You don’t have to keep your political views secret, but if you know that certain co-workers are likely to press you to take a side, you may want to avoid the subject. If you’re in an environment where you feel like you have to defend your beliefs, and you don’t feel safe or supported, it might be time to look for a different job.
Be Conscious of your own beliefs
If you have a friend or family member who is on the opposite side of the political spectrum, it’s important to be conscious of your own beliefs so you don’t assume you know where they stand. If you have a friend who is a conservative and you assume they are racist, sexist, or xenophobic, you’re going to have a hard time having a healthy friendship.
If you have a family member who is a progressive and you assume they are completely against capitalism, you’re going to have a hard time having a relationship with them.