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My office is inhabited with gossips.
There are a number of people in my office who like to gossip. Some of their comments are quite hurtful. How can we eliminate it?
Gossip can be very unpleasant and you are right to be concerned. In fact, I believe that gossip can not only be hurtful, but it can even be deadly: good people have been destroyed by rumors!
In the case of your office, you say there are “a number of people” which would suggest that there is likely a Culture of Gossip which is even more troubling.
While there may be certain people who view gossip as simply harmless small talk about other employees – who are not a part of the conversation – it should nearly always be considered unethical.
Gossip is generally composed of inaccurate information and, in my experience, is it usually designed to embarrass or wound in some way.
The Culture of Gossip in your office probably can’t be eliminated completely, but it certainly can be reduced using a few basic strategies.
First, commit yourself to breaking the gossip cycle: if you happen to be present when a rumor is shared, be sure not to pass it on – to anyone.
Second, if you feel comfortable doing so, approach people who are gossiping and share something positive you know about the person they are discussing; be careful not to accuse them of unethical conduct, even if you believe it to be the case.
Third, attempt to evaluate each discussion in social settings, such as in the lunch room and photocopy room, for example, and identify the source of the gossip. You may discover that there is one “ringleader” who is the most obvious offender.
And, fourth, as a courtesy to a recipient of gossip, alert them to the situation and offer to support the employee. The individual may be surprised, even hurt, to know that his or her name has been slandered to some degree.
It is important to remember that the Culture of Gossip needs the tacit approval of virtually everyone in an office to flourish. Your concern and gentle intervention will have a significant impact on its acceptance and will bring gossipers to account for their cruel behavior.
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- Why We Gossip – And How to Stop. (mararose10.wordpress.com)
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