Ask Cathy
Politically Outspoken at Work

Dear Politics-at-Work,

I too, know people who are completely obsessed with discussing politics and who argue tirelessly (with anyone who will listen) about the merits of their position on contentious issues.

I too, find it inappropriate, overwhelming and very tiring. It is unacceptable for anyone in a shared work environment to be a bully about anything, including the laying out of their contentious political views to others who do not care to hear and/or disagree with them.

The decision about whether the expression of political views in the workplace is appropriate or not has nothing to do with the issue of dealing directly with the public.

My view is that an opinion bully needs to keep her outspoken views to herself unless someone either asks for them or wants to engage in banter and debate of that flavor.

I would shut down the outspoken political badger by sharing with her this response, or by speaking with a senior work colleague who can impose the correct protocol on workplace chatter of this sort.

Ruthless bullying takes lots of forms and a political views bully can be equally weary and very oppressive. Good luck.