TOXIC WORKPLACE: GOSSIP AT THE OFFICE

As professional business people, it is practically inevitable that at one time or

another in our careers, we will be subject of or somehow involved in negative office

gossip.

4 Types ofOFFICE GOSSIPERS

THE ABSORBER

1.• Loves hearing gossip, BUT doesn’t want to get caught gossiping• Knows everything about everyone, BUT tends to keep it to himself• He doesn’t actively seek out or forward gossip

THE FORWARDER

2.• Forwards gossip that comes to him, with the usual minor alteration of facts• Does not seek out gossip, BUT spends some time forwarding it to other gossip nodes in the organization

THE SEEKER

3.• Takes time out from work to actively seek gossip• Takes effort to find out what happened in important meetings, who’s dating whom, and the like• Often leaks confidential information

THE CREATOR

4.• This type is the most harmful• In the absence of steady stream of office gossip, he will end up creating gossip which will almost always be untrue• Creates gossip out of habit

WHY do People Gossip?

Boredom

Insecurity

Attention

lonelinessLACK OF ADVENTURE

TO FIT IN

acceptanceDesire for connection

Low self-esteemTO FEEL BETTER

WHY IT’S BAD?

Gossip creates animosity, distrust and it is unproductive.

Not only is it damaging to the subject of the gossip, but it also reflects poorly on you. As

professionals, you have more important things to do than pass stories about other people.

THERE IS NO INCOME FROM GOSSIP BUT

THERE IS MONEY FROM SALES.

TIPS ON HANDLINGOFFICE GOSSIPS

DON’T ENCOURAGE

1.

Gossip needs oxygen to survive. Do not give any of yours.

UNDERSHARE

2.Keep your personal

life, and opinions, to yourself.

THINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES

3.

Who might get hurt? Who might lose a friendship? Who might lose their job? It might be YOU.

Walk away. It shows that you

have INTEGRITY.

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

4.

STAY CLASSY