In Good Faith

Be careful in expressing your religious beliefs and in reacting to others who do.

• Prayer groups often don't realize the impression they create, says Laura Nash, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School. "When you cluster in a circle, it can look threatening to an outsider." Inviting people who don't share the group's beliefs to a meeting isn't enough, she says. They should be asked to come as discussion leaders.
• Managers and supervisors should be especially careful not to send unintended messages. If you do participate in a prayer group or other form of religious expression, offset concerns by stating clearly that your faith is personal and will not influence subordinates' advancement. Communicate your appreciation for others' beliefs.
• If you face unwelcome proselytizing, be polite but clear. Express appreciation for your co-worker's beliefs, but draw a boundary for your own. "It's tricky," Nash says, "because what they're really saying is, 'I'm sharing part of myself.' "