Politics, Religion, and Business

I thought I'd published this at the beginning of the year and there is an update at the bottom. But, the concerns remain real.

I've been struggling with a dilemma. I can't decide whether it's moral, ethical, neither, or something else.

It was revealed by a person with whom I'm collaborating on what could be a long-term speaking project that he voted for Trump. We didn't go into detail. He simply said he voted for him because he thought he's a good businessmen. I can't help but think there's more than that. I don't know if I can work with him, be identified with him. I don't know how much politics should enter into the business equation, especially for a female entrepreneur who's had her share of bullshit during her career at the hands of men and even women with more power over my economic welfare.

Once upon a time not so long ago, we didn't discuss politics, or religion in polite society and certainly not in business engagements. That unwritten rule seems to have ceased to exist for some people, regardless of their affiliation. Sure, there will come a day when we have a new administration, but that won't change the rifts and reveals that have opened up with this administration that are not going to just evaporate. In January, I wrote that they are deep and they are ugly. Today, July 3rd, those divides have only been exacerbated by the events so far this year.

If there were any situation where "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" really is the best policy, it is this one! Keeping your political and religious beliefs to yourself is a great rule for business etiquette.

What's your opinion? Would you knowingly do business with those who are diametrically opposed to your beliefs? What if no one ever mentioned it? Could it work or not?

*As an update, ultimately we did not move ahead with the collaboration because our goals were not in alignment. I also detected incipient sexism. His move to San Diego made everything simpler.

#business #sales #customersuccess #coworkers #clients #customers #businessetiquette #Venntive #10Xengagement #diplomacy #professionalism #politics