Smart people have to be one of the most misinterpreted individuals in the workplace.

In a high-speed corporate world dominated by small talks and gossip, if you’re one of these smart folks, it can be tough to find conversations that truly engage you.

More often than not, people label you as aloof when you’re just wisely selective about your discussion topics.

In fact, you’ve probably been called a bore more times than you care to count.

Sound familiar? If it does, read on to discover the 8 conversation topics smart people tend to avoid at work.

1) Gossip and office politics

A clear indication of a smart person in the workplace is that they avoid engaging in gossip and office politics.

They find these kinds of conversations draining and unproductive, often leading to unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.

Moreover, they see these talks as a distraction from their real work and a waste of their valuable time.

They’d rather focus on their assignments and have fruitful discussions that can actually contribute to their professional growth.

Sadly, their aversion to gossip and office politics can sometimes be misinterpreted as being aloof or standoffish. 

People might perceive them as unambitious or unsociable because they’re not into these types of discussions. And let’s face it, a lot of people form friendships in the office based on their love for gossip or because they’re angling for a promotion. 

So, they might not be the most popular person at work because they’re  not into gossip and office politics, but well, so be it.

In the long run, it’s a wise choice that can help them steer clear of drama and keep their name sparklingly clean.

Plus, their work speaks for itself anyway– it will eventually get them to the next level, minus all the unsavoriness! 

2) Personal problems

Another topic smart people tend to steer clear of at work is personal problems. I learned this the hard way myself.

See, when I was new to the corporate world, I made the mistake of sharing my personal issues with a colleague. While it initially seemed like a good idea to get things off my chest, it eventually led to unnecessary complications.

My problems became the talk of the office and it affected my professional image. In the end, it did me more harm than good.

I’ve since learned my lesson and followed this rule: Personal matters stay outside the office. When in the office, keep it professional. 

That way, you don’t:

• Create an awkward or uncomfortable environment
• Divert attention from work-related matters
• Reduce your (and everyone else’s) productivity and efficiency
• Open yourself up to unnecessary judgments

3) Controversial topics

Just like personal matters, controversial topics are also best avoided in the workplace. Politics, religion, or other sensitive issues are great fodder for discussion with family and friends, but not in a professional setting.

The reason is pretty straightforward: these subjects can trigger heated arguments and create division among coworkers.

According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, workplace discussions about political and social issues have led to increased stress, lower productivity, and poorer work quality.

Intelligent people understand that these topics can be polarizing and detrimental to the overall work environment.

So they focus instead on fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and work effectively.

4) Negative remarks about others

Speaking of positivity and inclusivity, smart people know better than to engage in conversations that involve negative remarks about others.

Just like controversial topics, this type of talk can easily lead to a toxic work environment. 

Because it creates an atmosphere of distrust and animosity, it can damage team relationships and get in the way of collaboration. 

Plus, it reflects poorly on the speaker. Surely, that can’t be good for your career!

If you’re smart, you’ll choose to focus on the positive. To overcome the temptation to complain or tear someone else down.

That’s going to help you become the leader you’re meant to be. 

This brings me to my next point…

5) Criticisms not framed as constructive feedback

Did you know that, according to research, empathy is the  most important leadership skill?

That’s right — apparently, people feel the most engaged with their work when they feel heard and supported. 

So with that in mind, smart people approach criticism-giving intelligently. They understand the power of words and the impact they can have on a person’s self-esteem and work performance.

So, they take the time to frame criticism as constructive feedback. When they talk about areas for improvement, they do so with kindness, understanding, and a genuine desire to help others grow.

They know that harsh criticism can be demoralizing and counterproductive. It can hurt people’s feelings and can lead to resentment. 

6) Salary and compensation

Let’s get real here — we all want to know how much everyone in the office makes, right? We want to know where we stand or if we’re receiving a fair paycheck.

The thing is, salary and compensation is a sensitive subject that can stir up feelings of resentment and jealousy.

Imagine finding out that the colleague on the desk next to you, doing the same job, is earning more than you are. It stings, doesn’t it? It can create an awkward work environment and breed discontent.

That’s why smart people simply don’t bring it up, unless it’s in a direct, one-on-one conversation with HR or their supervisor. 

With everyone else, they’d rather keep their financial matters private. They focus on their own worth and growth, without comparing themselves to others.

It’s the smart way to keep the team dynamics friendly and supportive. 

7) Complaining without offering solutions

Another get-real moment: complaining feels good. I’d be a hypocrite if I said it wasn’t.

Doesn’t it feel so cathartic to vent about our frustrations and let off some steam? Maybe so. But I think, to be safe, better do it outside the office, to someone who isn’t connected to your workplace in any way. 

Or, if you’ve really got to raise an issue at work, offer a solution instead of simply ranting on and on. 

That’s how smart people do it because they know that, yes, it’s important to acknowledge problems. But dwelling on them without taking action? 

Nope. That solves nothing. It only breeds negativity and stagnates progress.

Whatever frustrations they may have, smart people choose to focus on finding solutions. They roll up their sleeves and get to work on fixing the problem.

So yes, they might seem a bit tough on those who are content with just complaining. But trust me, it’s because they believe in action over words. 

8) Disrespectful or offensive language

Lastly, the most important thing to remember is that intelligent people always avoid disrespectful or offensive language at work.

As I mentioned earlier, they understand the power of words and the impact they can have on others.

Naturally, they know that disrespectful language can create an uncomfortable and hostile work environment. It can harm relationships, lower morale, and even lead to legal issues.

Instead, they choose to communicate with respect and professionalism, ensuring that their words encourage a positive and inclusive workplace for everyone.

Simply put, they believe in treating others how they would like to be treated themselves.

Final thoughts

Navigating conversations in the workplace can be a real tightrope walk, especially when you’re trying to maintain a professional and respectful atmosphere.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of engaging in unproductive or harmful discussions, but remember— being smart isn’t just about what you know, it’s also about what you choose to discuss and what you decide to avoid.

If you steer clear of these eight conversation topics at work, it will go a long way in earning you a reputation for being an ultimate professional.

Don’t be surprised if that helps put you on the fast track to success!