7 topics to avoid at work at all costs and why.
1. Past Jobs
1. Past Jobs
This is a very common trap to fall into. Saying things such
as “This job is so much better than my last job because…” seems innocent
enough. But at this point in your career, how well do you know your new job to assume
it won’t be any of the things your last was? It also leads your new coworkers
to wonder what you will say about your current job when you leave. No matter
how bad a job is burning bridges is never a good thing to do.
On the flip side, if you start talking about how great your
last job, it leads people to wonder why you are no longer employed there or if
you’ll ever be happy in your current position. It’s best to avoid the topic
altogether unless asked.
2. Politics
Everyone has different political views and work is not the
place to discuss them. One simple statement can very easily be misconstrued.
Saying something like “Obama sucks” could be interpreted as you are
unpatriotic, uneducated, misinformed, naïve, immature, and a whole host of
other judgments, all depending on that person’s beliefs. Remember, you have to
see these people everyday. Tainting your relationship with them is not
advisable.
3. Religion
Similar to politics, everyone has different views. Unlike in
other situations, people can be avoided after heavy discussions about beliefs.
However, at work, to maintain employment, you will have to see and work with
these people. Remove phrases that take any religious figure’s name in vain from
your vocabulary.
4. Stereotypes
The word "stereotype" means an oversimplified idea or image of
a group of people. Instead of telling you why to avoid it, I’ll just
list a few. I think you’ll get the picture.
- Men are messy.
- Women are bad at sports.
- Skinny people have eating disorders.
- Blondes are unintelligent.
One of my best friends joined a sorority when she went to
college. She seemed so much happier and outgoing than how she was in high
school. We got together one day and I started a sentence saying something along
the lines of “I see that you joined a sorority! That looks-” and here she
interrupted me with a frustrated groan. She started to explain that they don’t
just party all the time and that they do some great volunteer work. I told her
that I was just going to say that it looked like fun, that she seemed very
happy, and that I’m excited that she found something she enjoyed so much. This
is a perfect example of stereotypes and the negativity they can portray.
5. Sailor Talk
Turn on your filter in the workplace. The new “f” word can
be fiddlesticks. The new “s” word can be sugar. Using George Carlin’s seven
dirty words could be seen as offensive or immature. Do everything you can to
portray yourself in a positive light.
6. Money
When money gets brought up in the workplace, it reminds me
of the ancient Egyptian caste system. People start ranking themselves based on
how much they make. When this comes up, you have to remember that there are
multiple ways salary is determined and that you are most likely not fully aware
of them all. If you do believe, however, that something unfair is happening,
set up a meeting with your boss. Do not be accusatory or angry, just seek
information using phrases such as “I am really looking to reach the next step
in my career; what can I do to get there?”
7. Coworkers
Remember the telephone game? One phrase is whispered from
person to person in succession. When it reaches the last person, they say what
they heard followed by the first person saying what the original message was.
If you’ve ever played, you remember how the two phrases are usually barely
related. Keep this in mind.
At some point during this, I’m sure most of you wondered
what to do if someone brings up views that you don’t share. Usually, I go with
the smile and nod technique. Remember, you aren’t at work to spend hours
discussing these things. Smile, nod, and go back to work. If it’s something
that is very offensive to you, however, sometimes it is worth saying something
along the lines of “I would prefer that you not say things like that with me
around.” Coworkers don’t have to be your best friends nor do they have to share
any of your views. You do, however, always need to find a way to successfully
work together.
Much luck,
Christine
Much luck,
Christine