116 Ken Trupke -- Ask Me Anything: Talking politics at work

With just two weeks until the 2024 U.S. presidential election, politics is becoming a more frequent topic of discussion in the workplace.

On this episode of The Clarity Advisors Show, host Ken Trupke fields a question from a business owner who’s concerned that her team will become distracted -- or even divided -- by political conversations.

Ken explains that while everybody has a right to voice their opinion outside the workplace, it’s important at work to stay focused on serving customers.

If you have a question for Ken to answer on a future show, send it to [e-mail].

Timestamps
(00:20): Introduction.
(02:00): Giving the benefit of doubt.
(03:32): The sports analogy.
(04:31): Commitment to two things.
(05:34): Does it directly relate to our business?
(06:28): When people push back.
(11:16): Communicating the message.
(13:01): Summary.

Episode quotes
“People can like or dislike anything and everything, but we don't want that to distract us when we're on the field, when we're doing the work." 

"When we're serving our customers, we want to be united around that.”

“When you take off the jersey and step outside our four walls, well then you're free to express yourself any way you want.”

“We don't need to take sides on political things to be successful at work. So let's not distract ourselves. Let's stay focused on our customers.”

“We're not trying to limit free speech here. It's just that some speech doesn't necessarily have a place at work. 

“The short answer here is absolutely; it is within your rights as the business owner to limit what we talk about at work. If it's divisive, it just doesn't have a place at work. Let's stay focused on our customers.”

Recommended reading and listening

• Clarity Advisors Reading List

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• Ken Trupke on LinkedIn