Locker Room politics – Do’s and Don’ts (Mostly don’ts)
2/15/2018 – When temperatures drop many avid athletes seek the comfort of climate controlled gyms and treadmills. That’s no excuse for braving inclement weather to get outdoors. However, with gyms come locker rooms, and with locker rooms come ‘LOCKER ROOM POLITICS’.
We’ve all heard this while were changing into our workout clothes. Two guys, hyped up on post workout endorphins, orally battling about the current headlines from their favorite new source. It usually starts one of two ways. The first way is, someone makes a comment that someone else sees as bigoted or offensive and they casually chime in a separate opinion. Game on! The second way heated discussions get contested is, when two or more people are bantering about a controversial topic recklessly, without concern for others in the room who may be listening. Finally, it motivates another to ‘add his two cents’.
Should I engage in locker room politics?
The short answer is NO. As Dale Carnegie said, “You can’t win an argument.” There are many influential business men and community leaders who share the same space as you while you are lacing your running shoes. Athletes, by their very nature, are sober and cognizant individuals, so what comes out of your mouth may very well be heard and absorbed by a friend of your boss, your girlfriend’s Uncle, etc…. who knows? It could be anyone, and you just planted your flag squarely in an idea that they vehemently oppose. Pro tip: Talk about the weather and you’ll steer clear of about 97% of arguments.
The longer answer is more complicated, but buyer beware. The very act of exercise is to strengthen the body and that extension of physical power can continue directly on into emotional or intellectual strength. Many A-type personalities are in the gym and they welcome a rigorous contest to their beliefs. It gives them a platform to compete with ideas and words instead of fists. If you choose to engage in locker room politics, be prepared to have your beliefs challenged and know who you are speaking with. There is a great risk/reward, but the pay out may be worth it. Adding independent, well informed, and short insightful statements to a political hot button topic in the locker room can get someone to listen to what you have to say. That person could be your next client, boss, or running buddy for a long, long time.
Practical Example
Slickster Magazine is located in Aspen, Co. There is multi-billion dollar real estate and a billion dollar marijuana business (money.cnn.com) hub located here. While there are several private country clubs here, the Aspen Rec Center is still the go-to place for indoor fitness. Word-of-mouth is the best advertising anyone can get. If you run your mouth off within earshot potential of a buyer or seller the long term effects could be dramatic in the small, wealthy, town.
It comes down to respect
Does that mean I need to keep my mouth shut when I’m in the gym and not talk to people? Absolutely not! Should you have a battle of wits with someone who is game, you may win their respect for standing firm in your ideals. You may get crushed if you pick a fight with an intellectual behemoth! Whatever the outcome, if you chose to participate in locker room politics, be respectful. Acknowledge when the other guy has well reasoned point and agree with him whenever possible. You may not win an argument, but you might win some friends and influence people.
