Page 30 - GS20902

Inspiration

Let your intelligence guide you

ur society could learn from the example set vigilant about letting your intelligence guide your actions
by payments industry leaders. Why? Because in the workplace. To that end, many resources offer tips
they base their decisions on what will protect and insights on how to create a safe work environment,
O their companies and enable them to proper. free of political pressure and discord. One such resource
Practicality, not politics wins the day. This is the case no is, surprisingly, the UPS Store blog, which offers tips in
matter which party is in power in Washington or whether "5 Ways to Keep Political Views Out of Your Business" as
the economy is bustling or limping. And now is a good follows:
time to remember how helpful it is to your business to 1. Avoid posting political signage. A sign in your
leave politics at the door. If you don't do this, you could window, bumper sticker on a company car or politi-
create a toxic work environment and all the difficulties cal post on social media could cost you a client.
that arise from that, including inability to attract and
retain top talent. You could also alienate critical partners, 2. Change the channel. Avoid broadcasting news
vendors and sales staff. channels if you have TV in your waiting room or
elsewhere on your premises. Customers may see
If you own a company, you might think it's fine to throw some stations as biased.
your weight around a bit and voice your opinions about 3. Keep conversations neutral. While we all have a
hot-button topics. There is no one to stop you from doing right to our own opinions, getting into heated politi-
this, after all. The thing to remember, though, is that as cal discussions isn't worth the risk of alienation.
the boss, your word has extra weight, and people might
feel pressured to agree with your views even if that is not 4. Watch where you advertise. Choosing to run ads
your intent. It's critical to distinguish between what your on certain TV or radio stations or websites may sug-
employees do on their jobs, for which you do have control, gest that you support a particular party or candi-
and what they believe, for which you should have zero date, thus creating a grudge among some customers.
control. 5. Maintain the peace. Help your employees main-
tain encouraging, supportive working relationships.
A 2019 Public Religion Research Institute study revealed Not doing so could be dangerous for your bottom
that 82 percent of Republicans believe the Democratic line.
Party has been taken over by socialists, and 80 percent of
Democrats believe the Republican Party is being controlled None of this means I am advocating that we all think alike.
by racists. Another PRRI study revealed that 35 percent of As Mark Twain once said, "It were not best that we should
Republicans wouldn't be pleased if their child married a all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse
Democrat, and 45 percent of Democrats wouldn't be happy races."
if their child married a Republican. And this was before
all the uncertainty, disruption and loss brought about by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foster a productive environment

It might feel good to sound off about issues you feel Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
passionate about, but it makes good business sense to be

30