What if the goal of the conversation with family and friends was simply to understand, and be understood? The reality is that very few political conversations actually change a person’s perspective – and the more we push, the more likely they are to dig in. Sometimes, the best course of action is to gracefully exit the conversation.
It shifts the conversation from discussing the issue at hand to making personal accusations, which escalates conflict and shuts down productive dialogue. Let’s dive into these 10 ground rules for engaging in political conversations with civility and learn how to overcome the challenges that make such discussions difficult to maintain. Our current atmosphere of political polarization did not develop overnight, and it will not be dismantled by snapping our fingers or engaging in wishful thinking. However, a concerted community response can begin to foster a culture of civil discourse and create a civic space that can transform citizenship in the future. Developing a more complex understanding of the subject will also require leaders to learn and update. Within the context of managing polarization, leaders could consider adopting a similar approach to situations employees have experienced as emotionally searing.
Model Critical Thinking And Media Literacy
- Once identities are narrowed to only the morally opposed one, it becomes impossible to find common ground.
- Before sharing your viewpoint, make sure you fully understand the other person’s perspective.
- Are you okay with heated debates, or would you prefer calmer, fact-based discussions?
- Even when employees aren’t directly involved, overhearing political conversations can take a toll.
Indeed, there are studies (such as this one) to back this up. For more workplace advice, insights and perspectives, head to our News & Views page. To learn more about how we support organisations with inclusive recruitment and workplace culture, visit our Client Services page. The first step to managing workplace discussions is to determine which laws may apply.
When you work with other people toward a common goal, there’s science to show it increases your feelings of well-being, as you build connections. So, as a first step, think of a cause you care about and find an organization that could use your help. The Braver Angel volunteers say they feel a sense of satisfaction from helping people think through divisive issues. Research finds some social media limits your exposure to viewpoints that differ from your own. So it’s important to take control of what you are seeing on these platforms.
Identifying these personal limits will help you navigate conversations and avoid becoming overwhelmed. While it’s common to slip up, recognizing when a conversation is veering off course and taking steps to reset can help keep things stay respectful. With practice, these ground rules can lead to more thoughtful, respectful political discussions that promote understanding and collaboration, even in the face of differences and disagreement.
Not sure Amoredate if you should bring up politics with someone you just met? According to a 2020 report from the Pew Research Center, almost half of Americans have stopped talking politics with others. Some people avoid the subject altogether because they don’t feel comfortable expressing their opinions or fear encountering views that oppose their own.
Laser-focused Political Debates
Leadership Coach, and International Trainer
SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive professional content resources. Key findings from ResumeHelp’s recent Politics in the Workplace Study show that 51 percent of respondents believe workplace political discussions hurt the work environment. Debates consist primarily of an “exchange of adversarial positions.” Dialogue is about reexamining all positions and exploring common ground. In a dialogue, we acknowledge that someone else’s thinking may improve our own. We are looking to discover new options rather than trying to change someone’s mind. Understanding why the person you’re talking to believes the things they do will also let you gently probe the reasons they’re giving.
Share controversial political opinions without fear of cancel culture, doxxing, or political persecution. When you do engage with others, be clear about your purpose or intention with the conversation. Rather than look to persuade or convert the other person, think about looking to learn more about the person you care about. So here’s the Braver Angels’ process for how to have a productive conversation with someone across the political divide.
Not long ago, large majorities of Americans were uncomfortable with their child marrying someone who was different from them in terms of race or religion, or marrying someone who was the same gender. Only 4% of Americans, for example, approved of Black-white marriages in 1958. Tara Well, Ph.D., is a professor in the department of psychology at Barnard College of Columbia University. Amelia Kelley, Ph.D., is a trauma-informed therapist and author, and a psychology professor at Yorkville University. ©2020 Jackson Lewis P.C. This material is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice nor does it create a client-lawyer relationship between Jackson Lewis and any recipient.
In the issue-focused approach, the speaker avoids making personal attacks or assumptions about the other person’s character or intelligence. Instead, they direct the conversation toward the specific policy and its effects. This keeps the discussion civil, reduces defensiveness, and promotes a productive exchange of ideas. In this article, we present 10 essential ground rules for maintaining civil discourse during political conflict.
Recipients should consult with counsel before taking any actions based on the information contained within this material. This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. It’s in an organization’s interest to establish (and train employees on) a process for having constructive dialogue. When people view themselves as part of a morally superior, more “correct” collective, they seek out others who believe the same. Advanced cryptographic protocols protect your political identity with the same technology used by intelligence agencies. Zero-knowledge architecture ensures even we can’t identify you.
Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today. We’re all holding onto something we’re sure we can’t give up on, but research shows that letting go can boost our happiness a lot more than we might think. Politics should not become the soundtrack of your relationship. Intentionally stockpile positive interactions so hard talks do not dominate the story you tell about each other.
Are you trying to change someone’s mind, or simply engage in a civil discussion? If you frame the conversation from a place of hatred and attacks, your conversation likely won’t be productive. Suggest a different perspective instead of launching a counterattack at the other person. Use phrases like, “Have you considered…” or “I see it from the perspective of…” Discuss—don’t debate. Most survey respondents also were reluctant to support romantic relationships between their children and people with opposing political views.