Posted on Apr 22, 2016
What type of topics should be off-limits in the work place?
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Politics
Religion
LGBTQ+
Rights
Responses: 25
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I don't think any topic should have to be arbitrarily off-limits, but with that said, a workplace should be professional, respectful, and nondiscriminatory. If you have people in your workplace that cannot do that, then they are the problem, not the conversation topics. While I was in the military I had many, many great political and religious discussions with coworkers, many of whom I had very clear differences. But we knew where the boundaries were, and respected each other. That is the key. Instead of not talking, learn how to be respectful of other's opinions.
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SrA Edward Vong
MSgt Michael Smith
I wish I had that professionalism when I was serving. Someone in leadership once announced in the truck "if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your savior, get the f*ck out of the truck". It was intentional directed to at least two of us. I was somewhat offended, but not to the point where I felt like I had to do something about it. Didn't wanna be "that guy".
CW3 Stephen Bacon
I wish I had that professionalism when I was serving. Someone in leadership once announced in the truck "if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your savior, get the f*ck out of the truck". It was intentional directed to at least two of us. I was somewhat offended, but not to the point where I felt like I had to do something about it. Didn't wanna be "that guy".
CW3 Stephen Bacon
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CW3 Stephen Bacon
Eddie: That is not a workplace conversation. That's just some @$$hole showing his @$$..... and never be afraid to be "That Guy".... what are they gonna do, take your birthday away?
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MSgt John McGowan
MSgt Work place talk was pretty close to the same in the military and civilian work place. Most any subject could be talked about, but I believe I had greater freedom at the civilian job. In the military you have to be more careful with words. As you climb in rank even more careful. At my civilian job we were all about skill levels. But one thing I could never get over is the f bomb in a mixed crowd. Still don't like it.
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SGT Anthony Rossi
Great answer! If we don't discuss sensitive topics with each other how can we expect to grow as a citizenry. I don't simply want to talk to only people who agree with me... You have to be willing to challenge your positions if your genuine in your beliefs.
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You question illustrates exactly what is wrong with America at present. Utter and complete fear of offending someone or being non-PC. If I didn't wish to participate in a conversation, I walk away. Personally Chief, if you started talking about BMO's and vehicles, I would walk away. As I am sure if I was talking about the benefits of Harley's Vs. Indians, you'd probably walk away....... Politics, religion and other high-charged conversations have their place, it's the people who cannot handle them or not being able to converse with someone of a differing opinion are the problem. The subjects themselves are no different that you or I talking about the benefits of colonoscopy's or pap smears. It boils down to the people having the conversation and whether or not they are able to conduct themselves appropriately.
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SrA Edward Vong
CW3 Stephen Bacon
I feel the topic isn't the problem, it's how the topic is handled. I personally don't believe politics and religion SHOULD be discussed in the workplace to avoid conflict, but if there are a group of mature individuals who can handle it, why not?
I'll tag you on something that happened to use while we served.
I feel the topic isn't the problem, it's how the topic is handled. I personally don't believe politics and religion SHOULD be discussed in the workplace to avoid conflict, but if there are a group of mature individuals who can handle it, why not?
I'll tag you on something that happened to use while we served.
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CW3 Stephen Bacon
SrA Edward Vong - What I meant was Chief Hayes shouldn't have had to pose the question at all. As many have pointed out, far more eloquently than me, just because "Negative Nancy" doesn't like the topic or reacts in a hostile way, doesn't mean that it should be taboo to other, mature adults who know how to be respectful and converse intelligently.
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SrA Edward Vong
CW3 Stephen Bacon
When it comes down to it, as long as the information is kept clean and respectful, there should be no issue. It's when things get out of hand.
When it comes down to it, as long as the information is kept clean and respectful, there should be no issue. It's when things get out of hand.
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If you really want to be safe, the only thing you should be talking about at the workplace is work.
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SGT Aaron Atwood
With that comes the tradeoff that one doesn't need to talk shop outside of the workplace among one's coworkers. It surprises me how many folks don't realize that.
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