New Guest Article: Why “Avoiding Politics” in Professional Settings Is a Misguided Request

In a recent guest article for European Business Review, I examine a paradox: the human impact of technology decisions in professional settings stands at odds with growing requests to keep discussions “politics-free.” This disconnect reveals something crucial about how organizations approach technological change—and what they might be missing.

Consider how AI deployment decisions ripple through workplaces: When a company implements automated decision systems, they’re not just selecting software—they’re reshaping how people work, collaborate, and derive meaning from their daily tasks. Each technology choice carries weight, affecting everything from team dynamics to individual dignity. These aren’t abstract concerns—they’re the practical reality of how technology transforms human experience at scale.

Drawing from the Strategic Meaningfulness Model I detail in “What Matters Next,” it’s clear that technology decisions require a more nuanced framework than simple ROI calculations. When organizations ask to “keep politics out,” they’re often unknowingly requesting to ignore critical dimensions of human impact—accessibility, equity, wellbeing—that directly affect their success. In my work with Fortune 500 companies, I’ve seen how this artificial separation between technology and human concerns can lead to costly missteps.

Smart leaders recognize that evaluating the human impact of technology decisions in professional settings isn’t optional—it’s essential for building sustainable, meaningful solutions. This means examining not just technical capabilities, but understanding how these choices shape workplace culture, affect employee wellbeing, and influence broader societal outcomes. The organizations that thrive aren’t those that avoid these discussions—they’re the ones that embrace them with clear eyes and practical frameworks for action.

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