When They Assume Your Political Beliefs Align With Theirs
The delicate art of dancing with the opposition in business relationships
I always feel like I'm compromising my values. But I have to for the sake of my company's business. All my talk of authenticity and transparency is a sham.
What else can I do in this delicate situation where political affiliations collide? Maybe I smile and play devil's advocate. Ask questions. I don't have to pretend to agree. I need to start that waltz again. It's a dance I've perfected over time. I'm getting good at it too. Very good.
Whenever I meet with these owners, the company we partner with to fulfill our logistics needs, the discussion invariably turns to politics. It's awkward because I share little with them regarding this topic.
Somehow, these guys have it in their heads that I'm entirely on board with them. That I'm aligned with their way of thinking. If only they knew how opposed I am to many of their political convictions and party-espoused policies.
Would they treat me differently? Based on our otherwise friendly relationship, would they extend the same discounted rates they so generously afford us if they knew where my allegiance truly stands? I have no clue how they arrived at this assumption.
