How to Overcome the Election Drama

Well, here we are in 2017 and the election is over.  Here are 5 key strategies to think about  to calm the conversations if you engage in political discussions and want to remain friends!:

1.  Stress the beauty of our democracy over individual choices. We have a democracy that the world watches and we always need to respect the process.  IF we focus on the process and downplay the players, you can bring the conversation back to a calmer tone..I always tell folks that if we don’t like a certain President, then the voting booth is the best place to voice your opinion, not facebook!
2. Recognize that we truly don’t have access to all of the facts about any one situation.  If you don’t know, then it is best not to talk!  Active listening and respect for another is what counts.
3. Ask yourself:”What issue or sin about yourself if came out, would shock people”. That is why it is very important to examine yourself first as it is very difficult to recognize your own sin, but very easy to focus on the sin of another.  As I have said, I am so happy and thankful that Jesus didn’t judge me the way some have judged our presidents.   The Bible tells us:”He who is without sin should cast the first stone”.
4. Try to seek understanding first and listen to what others say.  I always like to ask lots of questions as to why a person thinks and feels the way they do. Everyone sees their world through their lens and perspective.  The key is to seek understanding versus just having your opinion heard.
5. Keeping silent when you see results.  Successful business executives typically employ Rockefeller habits.  Strategically aligning and executing plans to take us from one place to a desired place.  Watch for the speed and execution of goals and strategies. Its about powerful habits directed towards the right goals that successful leaders drive businesses, organizations and the country. When you see someone creating results that are needed, it is better to say nothing and just keep smiling!