Lincoln Strategy Group shares advice on how to maintain relationships with people from different political parties.

1. HOW TO BRIDGE GAPS BETWEEN
POLITICAL PARTIES
LINCOLN STRATEGY GROUP

2. T A K E A
S T E P B A C K
With the midterm election season rapidly
approaching, tensions are sure to be high as
people become more passionate about their
causes and their preferred candidates. Rather
than alienate family and lose friends over
political disagreements, it is essential to take a
step back and develop ways to bridge the gaps
between differing political ideologies. Here are
four practical tips to take this election season to
ensure that you keep all of your relationships
intact even after the final vote has been counted.

3. ASK THE TOUGH
QUESTIONS
Rather than assume you know all the
answers, make an effort to ask the
tough questions. Without being
confrontational, do not shy away
from approaching conversations with
those who do not agree with you on
all political issues. One of the best
ways to understand others is to take
the time to ask thoughtful and
intentional questions designed to
jumpstart meaningful dialogue.

4. ACKNOWLEDGE
OPPOSING VIEWS
Just because you do not agree with a
friend and their political views, it
does not mean you cannot
acknowledge that their opinion has
value. Admitting that everyone has
their own opinion based on a variety
of personal history and lenses to the
world is the first step in opening up
purposeful and productive
discussion.

5. STAY AWAY FROM
SOCIAL MEDIA
Online conversations about politics
are destined to fail due to the
precarious nature of the
communication vehicle. Rather than
leaving your written words up to
varying degrees of interpretation, it is
far more wise to have these
important conversations in person
where the mood and tone cannot be
misinterpreted as easily. Not only will
this lead to more positive personal
interactions, but it will also keep the
rest of your social media circle out of
the dialogue.

6. PRACTICE REFLECTION
INSTEAD OF OVER-
REACTION
We have all been there. In the heat of
the moment, we say or post
something that we instantly regret.
By getting into the habit of reflecting
on hot-button issues before
immediately reacting to them, you
will guard against the majority of
negative back-and-forths that can
result in words said out of
frustration.

7. C O N T A C T
To learn more about Lincoln Strategy Group, please
visit our website at:
Lincoln-Strategy.com