Workplace Lessons Learned from Presidential Politics

The issues of race and gender continue to cause workplace problems almost every day.  These issues are now squarely part of the presidential campaign, at least on the side of the Democrats.  Check out an article in today’s New York Times.

We should keep an eye on how these issues play out as the campaign moves forward.  We just might learn something.  What we should say or what we shouldn’t.  How things can be misinterpreted about these issues.  The intensity these issues still possess.

Try any variation of this scenario.  An African-American gets the promotion instead of a white.  A female gets the promotion instead of a male.  Maybe it’s an Asian, a Hispanic, or an Indian who’s in the mix.  Everytime some version of this scenario happens, race or gender or both rise to the surface.  As this country’s demographics continue to change, these issues aren’t about to go away.

So, let’s keep predicting how the various candidates will impact substantive employment laws, but let’s also keep an eye on what the campaign can teach us about handling the issues of race and gender.

1. 

   John Phillips says:

   January 22, 2008 at 4:46 pm

   Thanks very much for the mention of my post in your blog. Looks like we’re in for a wild ride this year when it comes to politics and employment law.
2. 

   John Phillips says:

   January 22, 2008 at 4:53 pm

   Thanks for another comment on this post. We political pundits and employment lawyers need to continue to stir the pot.
3. 

   Kevin Eikenberry says:

   February 18, 2008 at 6:57 am

   Excellent post. I’ve created a survey to determine which leadership skills/traits make the best Presidents. You can learn more and vote here: http://remarkablepresidents.com

   Thanks!

   Kevin Eikenberry
   author of Remarkable Leadership
   http://remarkableleadershipbook.com
4. 

   John Phillips says:

   February 18, 2008 at 8:43 am

   Thanks for the link. Hope you get a lot of voters.