Managers and Governmental Politics – Part 1

Unions

I writing on behalf of a friend of mine. He works in a trade that requires him to be a member of a union.

The union regularly requires him to attend political rallies and in many cases, hold signs during election cycles. He strongly disagrees with the ideas and beliefs of the political party that the union mandates his participation with. Although his approach is thus far to just keep his opinions to himself, after several years of this he is getting tired of it.

His performance on the job is highly praised and has never been questioned, and his relationship with his boss and the company is quite strong.

November elections (in the US) are fast approaching, do you have any advice that could help?

Companies don't make it easier.

I liked the topic and agree with the advice.

But back to your question: why are managers more open about politics? How much do you think is attributable to the altered company setting? Considering our company's campus, in every public area, there's a television, and they're all tuned to a cable news network and can't be changed. I know that when I'm there listening to commentators carefully overlooking critical facts  or interviewing guests that make outrageously illogical statements, it takes a lot of willpower to not say anything -- I always feel that by keeping silent, I'm showing that I approve of and agree with the foolishness.

Was slightly concerned

When I started listening to this I was slightly concerned that I was screwed as not only am I manager at a large international corporation, I am also a part-time local politician (elected to the local area council).

However I became relaxed when listening to the recommendations, as whilst a reasonable amount of people know this, it's not something I've ever advertised or gone out of my way to talk about; in fact owing to not wanting to cause issues with others, I've always tried to stay away from talking about it, even before I was a manager.

It seems taking this approach is broadly aligned with the advice. It is far to say that now as a manager, the time the day job takes is more so the part time after hours activity is likely to have to drop away.

Glenn
High D,I

Political perspective...

 Mark,

Your suggestion that one can "agree without taking sides" is problematic. 

To say that the folks in government "always seem to gum things up" or that "politicians never cease to amaze" is a political statement.  There are those who believe government doesn't always gum things up.  Voicing a shared cynicism could easily imply a political philosophy of antagonism to government, not shared by those who believe that there are many dedicated elected officials who sincerely wish to make the world a better place through their political activities. 

A statement that those in business or the military or the church "always seem to gum things up" would, likely and rightly, be interpreted as an inappropriately broad negative characterization.

Even a comment in general will be interpreted as a political statement. 

It's hard to avoid the conversations, and it's hard to be purely neutral.  The goals are worthy. 

John Hack

Politics While Working for the Government

Mark and Michael,

Well spoken guidelines.  Many of the guidelines also apply to managers working in government service. 

In addition to being ineffective managerial behavior, government employees typically are barred by law from campaigning or partisan political activities during work hours.  Ethical guidelines bar federal and state managers from appearing outside of official hours at political activities where it would be construed that they are acting in an official capacity.  The same might be true of people prominently placed in a company.  When you show up off-hours, your company is present too and people see it through you. 

Having held administrative positions in churches, I can confirm that similar guidelines apply to clergy and managers in mainline religious organizations.  Issues surrounding political campaigns are often fair game for commentary, if they involve ethics and morality.  Yet, actively supporting specific candidates can lead to loss of tax-exempt status and members in the congregation.

I concur with John Hack, cynicism toward government is a political view.  As a professional manager in government, it can be pernicious and disheartening to the cause of public service.  The first options you offer, walking away or saying nothing are good choices.  If forced to say something, 'Thanks I appreciate you insight.' may be a more neutral response.

Finally, your comment concerning First Amendment rights are important.  In the United States we retain those rights always but withhold them in service to the cause we have agreed to join.  Having worked in the executive branch for both parties, I can speak my mind on matters of fact in controlled situations.  Yet, if called to speak beyond those limitations, I always have the option to turn my keys in and speak my mind as I choose. 

This is a good and important topic, thank you.

Edward Souza