There are many types of problems we can face at work. One that comes to mind is gossip. I recently interviewed Susan Williams, founder of WordEffect.org Here’s some of what she shared:
“Though rarely talked about, office gossip has taken on new dimensions, especially in this high-tech age. It is becoming a dynamic toxic force that is under-mining working relationships and careers.
Left unchecked, gossip can destroy an entire organization.
For many employees, gossip can be a guilty pleasure. Although it occasionally provides insight into and understanding of the nuances of office personalities and colleague relationships, it more often than not hurts the individuals involved and damages the organization.
Negative talk about others can color our judgment of people and alter our relationship dynamics. It makes us all less genuine and more superficial, affecting our ability to bridge the gap between our differences.”
Most of us have experienced the hurt and pain of gossip. Maybe we’ve even been responsible for saying something potentially harmful about someone else. I believe there are basically two types of people when it comes to talking behind other people’s backs: those who intentionally set-out to harm another, which is the worst kind of gossip. Then there’s those who say things in conversation that they don’t realize could be potentially damaging to someone else. Either way, think before you say anything about anyone else:
“THINK: Is it True? Is it Harmless? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?” If you answer “no” to even one of those then don’t share!
Your workplace and your life will be less chaotic and you will be known as a person who doesn’t gossip.
