Suggested Ground Rules for Election Week

There is no denying that politics ain't what it used to be. The days of pretending politics does not exist while at work are now long gone. The truth is politics are intertwined into every part of life, even when it's not acknowledged. Companies have lobbying groups. The government regulates work conditions and practices. Coworkers run for city council or volunteer with campaigns. Someone's aging grandmother is depending on social security, while someone else would like to reduce their taxes so that they can afford rent. The price of goods, cost of living, employment opportunities, 401K rates, perception of safety/security, access to education, access to parental leave, access to healthcare, even the cost of gas during the return to the office push... I could go on and on listing areas of everyone's life that politics directly or indirectly impact. These are sensitive topics, and they are top of mind during election season. So, what can we do to turn the temperature down in the office.

Accept It! People have feelings.

No matter who wins or loses on Tuesday, a significant amount of people will be devastated, another group will be bursting with excitement, and there's always the group that deeply does not care at all (they are exhausted with the topic, texts, and emails). These emotional extremes will be walking right into every office and workplace for the entire week (maybe longer). (In fact, maybe we need to collectively host a viewing of Inside Out to help everyone work through their feelings.) There is no way to avoid these emotions, so it is time RIGHT NOW to accept them.

• Accept that you will have feelings, some will share your feelings, and some will not. Pretending that these feelings don't exist is simply unrealistic and could be a recipe for disaster.
• Focus on what you can control. How will you show up the day of, day after, and week after the election? Where is your energy best directed?

Respect It! Show a little kindness.

Understanding and accepting the wide range of reactions to come will allow you to respond in a more thoughtful way. NO, you are not obligated to soothe the feelings of your coworkers. BUT I challenge you to be conscious of those around you and practice compassion.

• Do not, I repeat, do not try to convince anyone that they should feel how you feel. This is not the time or place. Not only is it counterproductive, but it could exasperate the situation.
• Be aware of your surroundings and who you are interacting with. If something seems off, it probably is. Continue to treat people with kindness and give them time to process their feelings, while you take time to process yours. Avoid taking any bait to start or participate in a contentious conversation.

Don't Test It! Be flexible.

This is for the people in the back who are stuck in the 1950s when politics and pay were literally banned discussions in the office. (The term "literal" may be a stretch, but you get it.??) As humans, there is no way to control how people feel, how they react, or what they say. So, plan to be flexible.

• If someone is in a bad mood, they may need to reschedule that meeting. They may be cranky and not as chipper as you would prefer and that is ok. They may need to take a long lunch or an extra break to get through the workday.
• If someone is super excited, they may call out to celebrate. They may be dancing around the office, that's ok.
• There are millions staying up all night in intense anticipation for the results. They may be late to work the next day. Don't chastise them when they are on time every other day of the year, working late, and taking random assignments no one else wants to do.
• Some may want to work from home because they are uncomfortable with interacting with the mix of emotions. It may be overwhelming to them. Support them. They are proactively managing their mental health. It may not only be the best decision for them, but also everyone else they'd be forced to interact with.

Before You Go, You Should Know

Over the next couple of months, extending from Election Day to the Inauguration, we can all expect to feel some degree of discomfort. Start preparing for that now. Fortunately, there will be breaks when we can focus on family and friends during the holidays. Use those times to reset and refuel. Find and create spaces where you can just be... be present, be happy, be still. But also create space for you and others to process their feelings and make decisions that support what they need in this moment.

And before I leave you, I want to acknowledge that there are some occupations that do not have the luxury of calling in or working from home. The surgeons, nurses, bus drivers, pharmacy techs, grocery store workers, teachers, restaurant employees, and so many more, who we depend on day in and day out no matter what is going on in the world or their life. I ask that you let them be. Show compassion and kindness, and also understand how the collective tension impacts them when they are only trying to do their jobs and provide services we desperately need. They aren't afforded the opportunity to privately process their emotions, but they are constantly tasked with dealing with ours. Show them an extra bit of kindness now, but really always.