The U.S. election results and U.S. politics in general are hot topics across the globe. What’s the best way to approach them when talking to Americans? In this blog, I will give you some valuable tips for what (and what not) to do.
A few days ago, I was at the airport waiting for my flight from Vienna, Austria back to the U.S. At the crowded gate, I couldn’t but overhear a conversation that unfolded right behind me. The topic: the election results in the United States.
From the accents, I gathered that the conversation took place between a European and an American couple. One of the European travelers expressed his feelings about the US election results. His overall tone was one of outrage, but I also detected a bit of condescension - ever so slight, but impossible to miss: “How could that happen?!” The American couple seemed uncomfortable with the conversation.
Politics can be a tricky topic in the United States. It requires a deep understanding not just of the mechanics, but also of U.S. mindset and culture. As an international professional, you may wonder if and how to approach current political events with your U.S. partners, clients, team members, or people you meet at casual events.
Here are a few pieces of advice to help you find the best approach.
Think Twice Before You Initiate the Conversation.
Be mindful of the fact that many Americans don't feel like discussing politics or commenting on the election results, especially outside their close circle of family and friends. They may feel even less inclined to talk politics with non-Americans.
Don’t initiate the topic. Wait for your U.S. counterpart to take the first step. If they don’t do so, take it as a signal that they don’t want to talk about it.
Don’t Assume.
Don’t make assumptions regarding people’s political affiliation based on the way they talk or dress, based on their heritage or color of skin, or based on their gender, age, or any other aspect of personality, behavior, or appearance. Both political parties are diverse and have supporters from all walks of life.
Don’t start a conversation based on assumptions. One-sided comments may backfire and damage a developing relationship or ruin already existing trust.
Don’t be Blunt.
Should a discussion about politics develop, bear in mind that while some people may be ready for a general discussion, they may not be prepared to discuss their own affiliation or vote. Probing questions, such as “So what do you think about the election result?”, “Can you believe Trump won again?”, or “What happened to Harris?” may put them in a difficult position.
Everyone has the right to keep their views private.
Respect Diverse Opinions.
If someone shares their views openly, remain respectful, even if you disagree with them or if their opinions surprise you. In the professional environment, outrage and attacks are out of place.
Listen and Learn.
Rather than rushing to judgement, listen to people’s reasons. You may learn valuable things about them and better understand their motivations. If you see that people are willing to share their thoughts, you can demonstrate genuine curiosity and ask them to explain their position.
This is a good opportunity to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons. Remember, discussions don’t need to be about winning. They can be about learning.
Know When to End Heated Discussions.
Sometimes, discussions can get heated. Try to keep the dialog constructive. If you feel that your counterpart gets increasingly aggressive, it’s best to find a way to politely extract yourself from the discussion. As a non-American, you can simply put forward your “foreignness” or “lack of in-depth insights” as a reason for ending a heated discussion.
Don’t be Condescending.
Some people adopt a superior or patronizing attitude. This is not advisable. While it is ok to show genuine interest, it is not appropriate, especially as a non-American, to treat someone with disdain because of their views or choices. You can agree to disagree.
Practice Nuanced Conversations.
Words and tone have an immediate effect. Choose your words wisely and be mindful of your tone when you comment on political developments. Just like all other aspects of communication, difficult conversations can be prepared and practiced. Reach out if you need help refining your English skills and developing communication techniques to handle complex situations.
Managers, be a Role Model.
Especially managers and team leaders can be good role models by demonstrating respect for diverse opinions. While it can be challenging, managers must ensure that the workplace remains respectful. People need to feel safe to share their thoughts without getting attacked for their opinions. If you observe that some people say inappropriate or hurtful things, have a one-on-one conversation with them to discuss the issue.
Below you can find two HBR articles that give additional advice, especially for leaders.
Do US culture and American mindset leave you dazed and confused? Contact me. As an experienced cross-cultural coach, I work with international professionals so they can be successful in the United States.
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