There are three topics you generally shouldn't discuss at work - politics, religion, and finances. Has that changed?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 22:56:42 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 11:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 23:04:29 -0500

I believe that is a common rule. I don't believe it has changed, especially for leaders. A leader might ask if one has any personal, financial or other issues but that's only for the welfare of their soldier. Everything else should be kept to one's self.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Feb 14 at 2016 11:06 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 23:06:59 -0500

I don't bring up any at work. But if others want to engage, I have no issue having a reasonable discussion about any of them.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 11:14 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 23:14:47 -0500

Stay on safe topics like the weather. Work and those three topics do not mix.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 14 at 2016 11:46 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 23:46:07 -0500

Actually, all three of those are fair game where I work, and are even encouraged to a certain extent. I'll admit that my workplace (a private university) is a little out of the norm for most on here though.

Response by SSgt Mark Lines made Feb 15 at 2016 12:34 AM

SSgt Mark Lines — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 00:34:50 -0500

We do not discuss them at all. Especially politics. As a foreigner in Thailand, the worst thing you can do is talk about local politics. Asking for explanations are okay, but giving of opinions is not!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 15 at 2016 1:41 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 01:41:39 -0500

Actually finances has loosened up a bit over the past 10 years or so in my DoD civilian organization.. Religion and politics tend to be as taboo as ever. When things tanked, not pointing fingers, a lot of people fell on hard times. Some are still trying to recover. What I noticed were folk up and down the line were more interested in taking more personal charge because Lord knows, the Goons mucked it up royally. In my workplace, people were seeking information from those who are about to retire. How can you? Didn't you lose a ton? Those who did were still working. Those who didn't retired, like me. I was amazed the number who'd talk about their piggy bank and they wanted it to be around when they got my age. I told my story and just said bottom line, take charge of your future because nobody else will care as much as you do about it. I expect after a while when people start to pucker up again at the workplace, things will loosen up again. Fear is a good motivator for asking questions and having a dialog.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 7:33 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 07:33:26 -0500

I do my job, when conversation started I join in and move on with work.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 15 at 2016 8:11 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:11:05 -0500

Personally I wouldn't unless it was brought to me, and depending on the person, I'd still walk away or change the subject.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 2:42 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 14:42:40 -0500

Not in my book. And given the intensity and vociferousness with which those topics have been discussed on this site, I would be easily persuaded to see them banned here, as well. Invariably, especially in these days, so many of these discussions end up wrapping themselves around the issue of Race which, to me, is the most repugnant way of making a point or asking a question. Especially when that posting or comment is intentionally made in such a way as to invoke the disintegration of the former. That, as well, happens all too often on RallyPoint.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 6:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:52:16 -0500

we stay away from politics and religion for the obvious but finances is a pretty open forum in my office. Only because to prevent someone from making the same mistake that one of their battles has made in the past we always discuss different financial situations whether it be informal or formally in a counseling session.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 00:10:11 -0500

It depends on the people at work, if you can debate respectfully... then it is fine. If someone isn't able to have an adult conversation, then those are not acceptable topics of conversation.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Feb 16 at 2016 1:20 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 01:20:27 -0500

Finances are a new one to me. I wouldn't say that it has changed, at least where I work. We just know who to and not to talk to about said topics. Otherwise most in my shop agree on most of the same issues anyway so it's never really a problem.

Response by SGT Robert R. made Feb 16 at 2016 6:30 AM

SGT Robert R. — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 06:30:01 -0500

Yes. No. Maybe. That depends on the company you work for. I work for a publicly traded, global corporation and these three things shouldn't be discussed as they can effect how another employee feels about themselves and the workplace. It's a softer, gentler world. HA

Response by Sgt Mark Ramos made Feb 16 at 2016 11:17 AM

Sgt Mark Ramos — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 11:17:01 -0500

It really comes down to how good you are at your job and how likable you are, unless your employer is Uncle Sam. If you're so good at your job that they need you, or you can get a new job tomorrow, then talk about whatever you want. If people really like you, the odds are pretty high that you can talk about edgy things without pissing people off. That also means that you probably know who you can talk about what with. Explore the boundaries.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:57 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:57:32 -0500

I don't see any problem with finances being discussed. Unfortunately, people seem to like to bring their religion into my squadron at times, which I'm not a fan of, and many of the younger service members make the mistake of bringing their politics to work on occasion. Both of those two need to be quashed immediately. Finances, though? Not only do I not see a problem with it, but it can lead to good advice and learning opportunities to better someone's future.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 8:21 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 08:21:12 -0500

You should add, Pornography, dance moves, and anything that could be deemed racial or intolerant towards cat lovers.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 22 at 2016 12:56 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:56:26 -0400

I think a lot depends upon where and what you do, but I think you should plan on staying in your lane at work for the most part.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 13 at 2016 9:10 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 13 May 2016 21:10:16 -0400

I thought it was politics, religion, and sex.