Managing Hot Topics in the Workplace

Being successful in the workplace and building a brand mainly depends on your present image. To be viewed professionally, you must conduct yourself with authenticity, values, and integrity. Giving thought to the way you are perceived is a good start.

Here are topics that you might be wise to avoid discussing in the workplace. You may find these topics a no-brainer, but you will surprise how many individuals engage in these discussions when they are comfortable.

Political Plotting – Almost everyone gives this some thought, but open political potting is counterproductive. If you are going to play politics, keep your plans and strategy to yourself.

Colleagues understand that we all sometimes need to vent or lend a listening ear. However, as tempting as it may be, I’m not sure if work colleagues are the right setting for these explorations and unfolding of your troubles. Even friendly colleagues might get tired of listening to the details of your divorce or personal problems. If broadcast over the office grapevine, it could harm your brand or possible advancement in the future.

Spreading rumors, complaining, or engaging in gossip – we don’t always have the luxury of picking colleagues or managers we get along with reasonably well. Making your negative feelings known widely or otherwise has a way of getting back to them. This will eventually make the situation worse. You may get labeled by management as a “complainer,” “difficult to work with,” or a “negative person.” Even with the very best of intentions in mind, people in general love to put labels on behaviors or situations that will put you in a negative light, no matter your experience or how hard you work at your job. Gossip is addictive and hard to avoid, but spreading negative information about colleagues can create resentment and hurt and should never be repeated.

Job search – if you have plans to start a job search, intelligent people don’t talk about their plans to anyone at work. Because if you make your plans publicly announcing your desire to leave, you may find the door sooner than you think. Words spread quickly, so may as well everyone will hear the news.

Flirting, Hot Button Topics, and TMI – these do not require much explaining. Flirting in the workplace when it’s out of context or at an office party is a surefire way of getting you in trouble. Yes, people find love at the office, but flirting with your superior or married colleague is a no-no or can get you charged with sexual harassment. Hot-button topics are the subjects to avoid, such as religion and politics, as opinion differs and often can lead to heated debates and discussions unless you know the other person well.  Too much information sharing is just that – detailed sharing of personal stuff. Never share information that would put you in an unprofessional image of yourself.

Wrapping it up – it’s essential to connect and build relationships in the workplace. Having a network of trusted colleagues and like-minded individuals is essential to our success, belonging, and social interactions; therefore, stay curious and professional, and focus on your brand and what you hope to convey to your network using your character strength to guide you and keep grounded.