Politics, Religion and Pizza

Today’s insight focuses on an important part of our fabric. It’s calling again and again and while we’re able to ignore it for a while; its power can overtake us in a moment of weakness.

Sure, I’m talking pizza-hot or cold! But what’s my pizza got to do with this political and religious stuff you lead with, Scott?

Well, the stuff that fills a person’s soul on the first two issues used to be something we mostly kept to ourselves. Many still do, but there has been an increasing attempt from many in the last, say, 15 years to tell you how to think and what to believe.

Before this, we had little care of our family and friends’ political views. We just wanted to get along. Religion and politics was discussed and mostly forgotten during holiday meals.

Not so in 2016.

Today, folks want to tell you who to vote for, which religion, if any is the best and won’t like you as much if you disagree.

I mean would you ever tell someone which ingredients to put on their pizza? I mean, would you! Hell no, that’s against the laws of…..um….PIZZA!

Today’s workplace is filled with passion, purpose and people with opinions. Important, yes but we tend to push the line of personal beliefs and choice more than ever.

So here are 5 ways to stay friends, grow relationships and not get punched!

• Hey, your political opinion is you own. Please keep it to yourself unless asked. We have our own thought process and are able to navigate things just fine. We got to work today all by ourselves didn’t we?
• Religion is all over the place. More than politics. So, SHHHHHHHH. People don’t really care where you are on this topic. If they do ask, than it’s open season to chat.
• Remember 1 & 2 because it can save you a relationship or 3!
• Listen, respect and acknowledge statements even if they are different than yours. You want the same, right? Ha, trick question – I knew you did!
• Lastly, pizza. You like anchovies and barbecue sauce. I don’t. It’s okay because I ain’t even going to try and convince you to try my delicious black olive and onion ZA. Why would I?

Yet, we sometimes think that we can sway political and religious opinions over a cup of coffee or adult beverage.

Work and life are fun, challenging and full of twist and turns. And speaking of turns, I know this great pizza joint that make thin crispy crust with great sauce too.

Care to join me? We can discuss….sports?