This being a Presidential Election year in the United States has taken a toll on the productivity in American businesses. I haven’t done a scientific study, but I can remember back 4 years ago to what was going on in my small business. We had every political ideology represented – from Libertarians to all-out liberals (and everything in between!). We were so diverse – and emotionally charged – that at one point I had to all but ban political discussions in the office because once they started, no work was getting done. Tell me I’m not the only one!

 I have also seen an increase in business owners using their business or platform as a way to express their political views, sometimes in obnoxious ways. In fact, I recently stoped following someone on Twitter because I found their continual bashing of the other party’s candidate to be frustrating and just plain annoying. I don’t mind people pulling for their candidate but I choose to get my political insight and news from other sources and keep it separate from my business.

This past weekend, there was an interesting article in the Washington Post (note: free content, but you may have to register) about the challenges of expressing your political views within your business.  One hotel in a very Obama-centric area of town posted a sign in support of McCain/Palin. That very morning, there was a campaign mounting to boycott that facility. Alternatively, one hair dresser in Washington, DC, posted a “Palin-Free” sign in his window and has been met with no grief whatsoever from his clientele.

I’ve heard numerous other business owners talk about the rift that occurs when talking politics at work, mostly when one or both parties are intolerant of alternative beliefs and viewpoints. Wearing a button of your favorite candidate is one thing, getting into debates about the shortcomings of your colleague’s choice, especially when done in an obnoxious way, is quite another, especially when it can really bring the progress of business to a halt.

What is a business to do?

Clearly, as a business owner and an American, you have a right to display or state whatever political views you want. It’s our right. You need to be prepared, however, for potential backlash. If you choose to integrate politics with your business, don’t be surprised if you are met with resistance from colleagues, clients or employees who hold a different viewpoint. It is possible to even lose a few along the way, or see a community mounting a boycott.

Religion and politics, at least in the U.S., seem to evoke extreme emotional responses. I guess there’s a reason that most businesses keep their religious and political views quiet. For those who don’t, however, expect that not everyone will appreciate it or agree with it. If you’re OK with risking the backlash, go for it! Otherwise, you might want to consider sticking with the sign in the front lawn of your house and volunteering outside the office to support your candidate of choice.

Has anyone personally experienced extremes in the workplace? Can your office talk politics without interrupting productivity and business progress? If so, how?! 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 at 9:35 am and is filed under Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, business success secrets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.