Politically Correct Thinking

By Mike Myatt, Chief Strategy Officer, N2growth 

The institutionalization of “Politically Correct Thinking” in the corporate world has done more to harm operating businesses than just about any other social and/or cultural influence in recent times. As a CEO Coach I am often asked to provide counsel on the political hot potato de jure, and let me be perfectly clear that it is not only possible, but preferable, to successfully handle highly charged political topics without being politically correct. If recent economic, political, and financial circumstances in this country haven’t convinced you that truth and candor matter, then you may want to stop reading here…be forewarned that there are few things in business, and in life in general, that I loathe more than those who adopt a politically correct stance. That said, buckle-up and join me for a ride as we journey into the politically incorrect mind of Mike Myatt…

Do you ever wonder how the term “Politically Correct” evolved from an obscure catch-phrase that was once used to label those who would not take a controversial position to the dominant mind-set of the day in our society? The politically correct assault has invaded classrooms, the media, the work place, federal, state and local government, the judiciary, the church, the military, and even casual discussions with friends and family. It has spread to pandemic proportions, crossing boarders and cultures, such that you’d be hard pressed to actually find someone under the age of 40 who hasn’t had substantial amounts of “diversity training”. Even the term change, a concept once reserved for the innovative and revolutionary, has been hi-jacked by the politically correct.

In my opinion politically correct thinking is a large contributor to a decrease in workplace productivity, and of greater concern, to the moral and ethical decay of our society. Are these extreme statements? Perhaps some may think so, but being authentic to my politically incorrect self, I think not.

Before those of dissenting (politically correct) opinions become too outraged with my position, let me be perfectly clear that I believe strongly in respect and tolerance. These characteristics should be present in all human beings. They are admirable qualities so long as they don’t take precedence over, ignore, or contradict truth. The main problem with politically correct thinking is that it confuses kindness and courtesy with bureaucratic mandates, and ends up stripping people of their real opinions. By its very nature politically correct thinking is most often disingenuous and intellectually dishonest. Politically correct thinking replaces individuality and authentic opinions with socially acceptable rhetoric and watered-down behavioral tendencies. I actually miss the days when most conversations consisted of unpredictable, highly charged, and stimulating discourse where people were encouraged to openly share their true thoughts and opinions.

The irony of politically correct thinking is that a society void of individual thought actually creates the opposite of diversity…it is in fact politically correct thinking that results in a brainwashed group of sheep who completely lack diversity as a result of a generification of thoughts and actions. The dark secret behind politically correct thinking is that it slowly dulls your senses, and neuters your innate ability to be discerning. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to hear what you think I want you to say, or what you think you should say, but rather I want to hear what you’re really thinking. Have you ever sat in a meeting where all parties sit around the table with a deer in the headlights look trying to figure out how to dance around an issue rather than address it head-on? It is this type of issue that pollutes our culture, stifles innovation, undermines our productivity, and sentences those who embrace politically correct thinking to mediocrity.  

The issues of safety and security also come into play when dealing with politically correct thinking. The sad reality is that many people believe so strongly that there is safety in numbers that they will compromise their own thoughts, and ultimately their integrity by adopting a safe position, rather than take the risk of standing strongly for their beliefs. It has become more important to “do things right” rather than to “do the right things.” Blending in has become in vogue, while making waves via independent thinking has become socially inappropriate behavior. 

Wouldn’t it be more prudent to let the facts and/or the truth surrounding a particular matter to rise above the rhetoric and guide your actions rather than to blindly adopt an attitude of political correctness? Of course it would, except for one huge problem…In the face of conflict, dissension, threats, or controversy, people tend to go to the mind’s medicine cabinet and take a few denial and rationalization pills. In today’s politically correct world it is just easier form most people to hide in the safety of the majority and coast along without making any waves, than it is to take on the risk of being outspoken, innovative, disruptive, challenging, convicted, bold or controversial…Therein lies the problem with political correctness.

In the end, leadership that adopts politically correct behavior and thinking places themselves and their organizations at great peril. You cannot be an effective leader subordinating right thinking to popular thinking. The simple truth is that leaders who are intellectual honest and politically savvy, are more effective…they are the antithisys of being politically correct.

So, back to the original question…How do I feel about political correctness in the workplace? My world, albeit I’m in the minority in my perspective, is one where respect is required, excellence is demanded and politically correct behavior is not tolerated. A generic thought, ambivalence, attempting to fly under the radar, and mediocre performance will likely put you in my cross hairs and may cost you your job. If you don’t make waves and challenge the status quo you won’t work for me for very long.