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Office of News and Information
Johns Hopkins University
901 South Bond Street, Suite 540
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
Phone: 443-287-9960 | Fax: 443-287-9920

January 3, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Lunday
acl@jhu.edu or c&pa@jhu.edu
443-287-9960


Casting a Vote for Workplace Civility in 2008
How to keep your cool during political discussions at work.

Politicians may sling mud at one another, but wise workers will stay above the fray during the 2008 presidential election campaign by keeping heated political discussions out of the workplace, says P.M. Forni, director of the Civility Initiative at The Johns Hopkins University.

Forni notes that, by and large, it's up to employees to handle these concerns at the cubicle level; most managers won't legislate good manners or dampen debates. He suggests that workers prepare a strategy to duck debates by the water cooler.

"There is only so much that an organization can do to minimize the negative impact that differences of opinion may have on everyday life at work," says Forni, the author of Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct (St. Martin's Press, March 2002).

"Over-regulation prescribed from the top can add to the very tension that it is meant to ease," he says. "In the end, it is up to the individual workers to find the wisdom and deploy the skills to remain professional at a time when 'we' versus 'they' thinking is more frequent."

How do you defend yourself from intrusive questions? How do you voice your opinions in a way that is at the same time forceful and respectful? How can you avoid angry confrontations? Here are a few plan-ahead suggestions from Forni.

1.) Decide whether you are game. Is this the time and place to engage in a discussion that may become heated? Consider the likely consequences. Are they worth your while? Will you end up revealing more than you wish to? Is someone baiting you? Do you have trouble remaining calm and collected in this kind of situation? You can always change the subject, excuse yourself, or even state that you just prefer not to talk about politics right now.

2.) Disclosing your position is not your only option. When asked how you intend to vote or what political beliefs you hold, you can answer, "Why would you want to know that?" Or "You know, I think that the fewer tags we give one another at work the better." Or "I'm sure I'll make up my mind before Election Day." Or "I am really not comfortable discussing such a delicate matter at work." The pressure to disclose can come in passive-aggressive form. Instead of asking flat-out for whom you will vote, a co- worker will play an "outing" game: "And how is our favorite conservative today?" Wrapped in tinny friendliness, it is still coercion, and there is no excuse for it in a civil workplace. If you feel you need to respond, try saying, "And who would that be?" and return to your work.

3.) Be fair and respectful. If you do choose to discuss politics, give others the opportunity to state their opinions. Do not interrupt and do not ignore. Do listen to what the other person has to say. Allow the possibility that that there may be something good in his or her ideas. Acknowledge the points on which you agree. Do not use demeaning or abusive language. Elections come and go; your job remains (one would hope). You will have to face your co-workers every workday long after Election Day.

4.) Do not presume agreement. Taking for granted that the political preferences of your co-workers and acquaintances will coincide with yours is not a good idea. Even friends whose steady voting record you know may on occasion vote for the "other guy." Do not say to your boss: "So, sir, how are we going to make sure that X doesn't win?" Maybe your boss wants X to win. You have the right to express your opinion, but presuming to know the minds of others is rarely endearing.

5.) Keep your poise and be assertive. By expressing yourself with determination and poise you will convey the strength of your convictions. If someone is bullying you, respond politely but firmly. You may say, "This is my opinion and I have given it a lot of thought," "I would appreciate it if you did not raise your voice," or "Well, let's just accept that we have different opinions about this and move on." The respect you want that person to grant you in future encounters depends on your being assertive today.

As you might expect, Professor Forni is charming and wonderful to talk with, and he can address a broad range of issues connected to civility for any story on the subject. His new book, The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude, which will be published by St. Martin's Press in June. To speak with Forni, contact Amy Lunday or News & Information staff at 443-287-9960 or acl@jhu.edu or c&pa@jhu.edu.