Ok I have to vent

[*michaelsean*]

(04-15-2018, 10:48 PM)Bengalzona Wrote: I think this thread is fine here so long as the conversation is concerning the interaction between michaelsean's daughter and the co-worker and similar situations rather than on the merits of any political figure or party.

That said up front, I think this is a good discussion to have: When has interjecting politics into a conversation gone too far?

In my job, I have to visit homes and commercial businesses all of the time. Every once in awhile, one of the owners will start trying to talk politics with me. I don't really appreciate that when I'm on the job, regardless of how similar or different their views are from my own. That's not what I am there for. I think that cornering contractors or vendors is a very insecure and low-class thing to do. It is also self-defeating. Presumably, someone does this to convince someone else that their views are best. But by approaching someone in this way, you basically convince them that you are a fool. And who wants to be involved with a cause favored by a fool.

Due to the nature of my work, my verbal interactions with people are extremely choreographed and rehearsed and focused on the information I need to obtain. When someone starts interjecting political comments in a conversation (usually the first time they bring it up is a 'feeler' to see how you will react), I ignore it. If they continue, here is what I do: I agree with everything they say. I'll nod my head "yes" or say "Good point". I'm not there to argue these points with this person at this time. And I never reveal any of my actual opinions. I'm there to do my job and go home. And I have found this is the best way to diffuse some people and get back on-track with the conversation I need to have with them.

I suppose this is what I would have done if I were in michaelsean's daughter's position, as well.

Definitely the best approach.  I think she was just caught unawares by an offhanded question and threw out a guess.  Lesson learned.