Navigating controversial topics in the workplace

Navigating controversial topics in the workplace Generally speaking, most people know that conversations that dip into politics, religion, or intimate relationships are best to avoid in professional settings. Yet in the current political climate, taboo topics are becoming harder and harder to avoid, causing people to share more opinions and exercise a lot less restraint and privacy in the workplace.Regardless of who brings hot button issues into the conversation, it’s always best to be prepared to deal with them without putting your foot in your mouth or offending someone.  Here are some tips on how to keep it classy (and keep yourself out of trouble) when controversy arises at work.Always follow the rules.Your company almost certainly has some policies in place regarding religious or political expression. You might not be allowed to hang up a campaign button or bumper sticker in your cubicle, for instance, or decorate your desk with anything a coworker might deem offensive. Take a quick glance at the employee handbook now and then to make sure you’re coloring between the lines.Listen, smile, and keep quiet.Its easier said than done, but if the conversation around you turns heated, its often best to just sit back and take in the opinions of everyone around you. If you do more listening than talking on average, then you have fewer opportunities to say something you’ll regret or that will get you in trouble.Unless youre in a situation where a legitimate wrong or injustice is taking place, if you find yourself wanting to say something- and asking yourself Is this okay to say?- chances are you should probably hold that thought and keep it to yourself.Document wrongdoings.If you have a coworker (or boss!) who’s spewing offensive commentary or bullying you or someone else- or, worse, engaging in hate speech- then you’re going to want to build a case before you do anything or tattle. Have something tangible you can present to HR if that becomes your best option. Frame your concer ns in terms of safeguarding the health of the company and culture.If youre upset, say something.Rather than making assumptions or leaping to conclusions about a person’s character, sometimes it’s better to just be up-front and frank with a coworker who has offended you. This doesn’t mean leveling accusations. It means approaching that person respectfully with an olive branch and a chance to talk things through. Dont accuse- explain. Tell him or her why youre upset. Having the confidence to do this in the first place is a tricky skill to master, but this can be quite effective in neutralizing an otherwise fraught situation.Own your mistakes.If you’re the one making people uncomfortable- even unintentionally- own up to it, take responsibility, apologize, and change your behavior. Otherwise your job might end up on the line. Remember, you’re not the only one in the office whose opinions and feelings matter.The bottom lineIf a conversation arises and y ou have passionate feelings, by all means, speak up. But if you do, keep your tone and language as professional as possible. Try to diffuse rather than accuse. Ask questions rather than asserting strong statements. Keep an open mind and your emotions at an even keel- its possible to be both passionate and polite.

How to Let Your College Crush Know You Like Them

How to Let Your College Crush Know You Like Them Had your eye on that crush for a little while, and ready to at least see if that persons feelings for you are the same? You may be terrified, but you also may be at the point where youd just rather take the step than keep things in the unknown. If youre not sure where to start, consider these ways to let your college crush know you like them. Give Some Kind of Gift It can be flowers, a small care package (who doesnt like care packages in college?), or even something that you know your crush has a soft spot for. But any small gift or gesture is sure to let someone know that you hold your relationship whatever it is closer to your heart than most others. Utilize Some Kind of Campus Fundraiser If its around Valentines Day, Halloween, or another major holiday, take advantage of a campus fundraising program. You can send a Valentines Day gift, flowers, Halloween treats, or any other small gift to your crush in his or her classroom through fundraisers on campus that offer the opportunity. It can be a great way to show someone you like them while also helping support your campus community. Just Ask It sounds and is terrifying. But if your crush is really all you hope he or she is, sitting down and talking about your feelings may be the best thing you ever do. You just may surprise yourself with how the conversation works out! Ask Your Crush to Dinner off Campus or at Your Apartment Nothing says youre-just-another-college-friend-to-me than dinner in the campus dining hall(s) or cafe(s). Take your crush somewhere special to indicate that youre interested in being more than just college pals. Put Something in Writing It shouldnt be too long (that gets creepy), and it can be handwritten or by email. But, since some folks express themselves best through their writing, sending along a letter letting your crush know how you feel may be your best bet. It can also eliminate the awkwardness of a conversation and give your crush some time to process before responding.