"Your Queer Career?" ... Question from "Pink State"[Vol.19]

In this weekly newsletter, I'll answer a workplace question from LGBTQ+ (& Ally) professionals. These will also serve as the basis for my upcoming book,?Your Queer Career?: Workplace Advice from The Gay Leadership Dude??which hit stores in January 2024. You can order your copy (and see some sweet bundle deals) here!

Hey “Gay Leadership Dude?” … As we enter yet another election season,? I wanted to see what you think about talking politics at work. I know it’s typically a taboo topic, but these days it seems it’s on everyone’s mind. What should I—or shouldn’t I—do about sharing my political leanings in the workplace? ~ Pink State

Howdy Pink State! My these are indeed cray-cray political times we live in. Years ago, I would tell people to avoid the topics of politics, religion, and sex at work. I’ve since changed that perspective and think that (in certain contexts) it’s OK to talk about at least two of these topics at the proverbial (or virtual) water cooler (I’ll let you figure out which two). But the topic of politics is indeed a popular—if not polarizing—one. When I work with leaders as their coach, I think through talking politics with the concept of being authentic and feel that yes, you can indeed have the conversation about your political beliefs if you wish. But hold on there, sport, there are a few guidelines to throw down first:

1. Don’t assume someone’s demographics are indicative of their political persuasion. I know I’ve too often assumed, for example, a member of our LGBTQ+ family believed in one party over another, and that’s simply not the case. Respect that our Community—just like all of society—isn’t a gross generalization or stereotype on all things, including politics.

2. Try and share your perspective through your own personal values lens and not a “party lens.” Full disclosure: I’ve been a registered Democrat and a registered Republican in my life (I’m currently a “No-Party Affiliation”). I get that historically both parties have had their pros and cons. When talking politics, filter your perspective through your personal values, not party. “I really like Candidate Brittany not because she’s fabulous a Republocrat, but because she values family (“family?”) like I do.” This allows folks to see WHY you support them versus just down party lines. Which brings us to …

3. When people talk about their political leanings, be open but also ask the why. It’s very OK to ask people why they support one candidate over another. This is an opportunity—in a respectful way—to seek to understand, not seek to respond (to paraphrase famed leadership guru Stephen Covey). Ask and listen with an open mind and find out the reason why someone backs a certain candidate. (Spoiler Alert! We also look at listening in an upcoming chapter.)

4. Be mindful of your own unconscious biases of “the other team.” Do you immediately jump to conclusions when someone shares that they support ____ candidate or are a member of _____ party? Be careful of your unconscious biases and don’t paint a broad stereotypical brush that everyone from THAT party is always like THAT. The only absolute is that “all stereotypes are wrong.” While it’s easier said than done, check your bias and be open-minded (see #3, above).

5. It’s OK to walk sashay away. As we try our best to be open and have a perspective-seeking conversation with a co-worker about their political leaning and beliefs, they may not be in the same place of understanding. If your political cube-convo or virtual chat starts to turn into a battleground state, have a prepared comment like, “OK, it seems we clearly don’t see eye-to-eye here and it may be a good time to shift gears …” or something that’s authentic to you. Say this in a neutral tone (not in a bitchy way, gurl!), and if appropriate, conclude the conversation and sashay away.

Politics are a wickedly sensitive topic at any time but especially in these unprecedented times (boy I hate that word, but it works here). Be the best LGBTQ+ Leader you can be and be respectful, but also don’t hesitate to share (“Cher”?) your authentic perspective on why you like that elephant or donkey or greenie or whatever reps your candidate. Starting from that values perspective not only speaks volumes about your character and leadership but reinforces your authenticity as an LGBTQ+ professional.

Oh, and ALWAYS remember to vote.

A version of this appeared in Watermark Online at https://watermarkonline.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Steve Yacovelli (a.k.a. “The Gay Leadership Dude?”) is an expert in diversity and inclusion, change management, and leadership. He’s worked internal for folks like The Walt Disney Company, IBM, Tupperware Brands, and several universities before starting his own consulting firm, TopDog Learning Group in 2008.

TopDog works with both Fortune 500s and not-for-profit organizations to bring about a more inclusive and effective workplace. Steve’s also an award-winning author, speaker, and catalyst. His latest book, Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Leader to be the King or Queen of their Jungle ‘came out’ in 2019, and his next book, Your Queer Career?: Workplace Advice from “The Gay Leadership Dude?” hits shelves last year.

Steve’s not-so-hidden agenda is to make the world a bit more inclusive for us all.