Why Keeping Updated on Politics Improves Your Customer Service

Many people have tuned out of what’s happening in the world. That’s understandable. There’s so much negativity—economic crises, corruption, wars—that it can feel overwhelming. Politics, to many, appears to be a dirty game.

So why would anyone deliberately choose to stay informed?

And yet, I recommend exactly that.

Let me explain.

When people say, “I’m not interested in politics,” what they often mean is something broader. In practice, “politics” becomes a synonym for everything happening in the world: economic developments, social tensions, public debates, cultural shifts.

It’s not just about elections or parties—it’s about the context in which people live.

And if someone is not interested in what is going on in the world, there is a strong chance they are also not deeply interested in what is going on in the minds and hearts of their customers.

That may sound harsh—but it’s worth reflecting on.

I often hear people say, “I only focus on positive things—self-development, growth, mindset.” And while that sounds admirable, it can sometimes come at a cost.

Because if we deliberately avoid engaging with the real struggles people face—economic pressure, uncertainty, frustration, disillusionment—we risk disconnecting from reality.

And your customers live in that reality.

They worry about rising prices.
They are influenced by societal debates.
They are shaped by the emotional climate around them.

If you are not willing to look at those realities, how can you truly understand them?

To be clear, this is not about following party politics or getting caught up in candidate A versus candidate B. That level of engagement is optional—and often not very helpful.

What is valuable is staying informed about what is happening in the world:

·        Reading in-depth articles instead of headlines

·        Listening to thoughtful interviews instead of hype-driven news

·        Following credible sources rather than emotional noise

This helps you understand how different people think.
It exposes you to viewpoints you might not naturally encounter.
It builds empathy.

And empathy is at the heart of excellent customer service.

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Communication Psychology and HR: in small and practical lessons once a week.

With a focus on international and multilingual business conversations.

Gerhard Ohrband is a psychologist from Hamburg/Germany, specialized in Communication Psychology and HR. He consults individuals and companies worldwide (in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian and Russian) on how to avoid costly misunderstandings and handle conflicts with employees and clients.

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