Cenek Report

According to a survey by Vault.com, 35% of bosses openly share their political views with employees, and 9% of workers feel pressure to conform to the boss’ views. Regarding co-workers, 30% of respondents said that a co-worker has tried to influence their choice in an election.

An article appearing at Associated Content reported that 53% of those surveyed believed that politics should never be discussed in the workplace. These results seem to reflect the conventional wisdom that discussions about religion, politics and sex should be off limits during the workday.

Some companies do not shun politics in the workplace. They allow employees to take sabbaticals while serving in a state legislature, or invite candidates for key offices the opportunity to visit their work sites. However, I suspect that most would take issue with using cubicle shields as depicted below.

While neither survey reported this, most employees hold “politically intrusive” leaders in a different light than those who walk a line of neutrality. Leaders who like to “open their Kimono” with respect to political affiliation or endorsement are often seen by employees as being more interpersonally challenged and Neanderthal-like than leaders who believe political activity is something to be engaged in away from work.

Politics can be very emotional topic for many. Nonetheless, the most disciplined leader will do him or herself a huge favor by refraining from political banter in the workplace. He or she can further their leadership presence by being “banner blind” and not judging others based on their political affiliation.