Conversation Minefields at Work - Address them Carefully!

You will find a lot of people who are facing a wide range of problems at work. Some employees encounter problems due to their own behavior and some are coming from situations others have triggered. There have been times when you have heard that talking about race, religion and sex at the workplace is not appropriate. When these types of conversations are going on, you must avoid partaking. There are things that can really make the situation worse and can push you toward future problems with your coworkers and most importantly your boss.

First of all, you need to look for your own reactions to conversations in the office. You should pay attention to what you say and do. Your body language may have a stronger reaction than when comes out of your mouth. People can tell when you are reacting; you do not want to make someone alarmed unnecessarily so. Your actions should come in a controlled manner and cannot be influenced by matters discussed in the office. Do not just join in on a conversation; look at the facts. The "facts" do not come from the he-said-she-said system. That is gossip. If anything think about this:

1. Who said what to you?
   
2. What was their motive?
   
   
   
3. Why did they say it?

Address these three questions and it will help you stay out of office drama. Asking questions allows you to evaluate the situation at hand and then make an informed decision. This is a positive outlook for a professional.

Act on your instincts:

All in all it is better to avoid these conversations. Period. But when you do this, you have to do it discretely so not to offend anyone. If your coworkers are trying to pull you into a divisive topic, then it's to just move on! Before you just walk away, make sure your bosses or authorities are not apart of the conversation. You would think that bosses would not part take in gossip, but it happens. If they are do not mutely make yourself scarce. Meaning, do not walk away without acknowledging their presence. It can appear as an insult to them and it can even jeopardize your career.

Acknowledge them; be cordial and participate in a little small talk and then have a parting phrase like, "Well thank you for including me, but I really have to get back to work." You will look like a genuine worker and they will not feel embarrassed. These types of conversations are quite common in the office. But handling them wisely is what the best professionals do.