When they mix politics with business

You’re in a business meeting, or out for drinks with work colleagues, and they start talking politics. You really don’t want to get into a debate. What can you say?

Following the Confident Communicator Me > You > Us Formula, you can first clarify your needs for yourself, so you know what you feel, need, and should ask for. 

Maybe you want to enjoy the evening, or be productive in the meeting and are concerned about how the conversation may affect your employment. It’s possible to have multiple needs. 

Next, you can express your feelings and needs by saying something like: “Oh no we're starting to have the political conversation right at the beginning of the night. I’m worried that if we continue down this path, we’re going to be upset with each other. Does anybody else have that worry too?” 

Not only are you expressing your needs, but you’re also checking in with your colleagues to see where they land with your concern before you make a clear request.

“Would you all be OK, if we agreed to all avoid the politics discussion for now?”