“Did you hear that our department is going to suffer a huge budget cut?”
“Guess what our dear boss decided to do next.”
“It sure looks like Marvin is getting a lot of phone calls that aren’t from his wife.”
Yes, these comments represent one of the most sinister threats to your career. If you decide to get involved in listening to and spreading company gossip, a downward spiral has begun. Consider these five reasons why gossip threatens your reputation and your long-term position with your company.
ONE: Gossip marks you as a negative person.
As a creator or spreader of bad news, you seem toxic. You poison the atmosphere of the workplace. Eventually, some of your colleagues will walk away from you for lunch and coffee.
Worse yet, your negative outlook will keep you near the bottom of the org chart. Why? Companies want leaders who are understanding, cheerful, and who seek the best in others.
TWO: Gossip is often not true.
Usually gossip does not equate to “gospel truth.” Gossip spreaders enjoy circulating rumors based on assumptions and suspicions. So when you engage with what might not be factual, you are supporting dishonest dialogue. That is disastrous for your image.
THREE: Gossip is not necessarily confidential.
A coworker tells us, “Now you can be sure this is just between you and me, okay?” No, that’s not cool, because the person who is telling you this has probably said the same thing to half a dozen team members.
Also keep in mind that when the gossiping employee talks to someone else, he or she will most likely quote what you said, despite the promise of secrecy.
OVEN: The person gossiping with you will talk about you.
What guarantees you that you are immune from being the victim of gossip when you have listened to the detractor of the office and shared their comments? Nothing. Once you give that person your ear and your words, you can become the next target.
FIVE: Gossip destroys the moral group
And when morale sinks, the CEO will start asking questions until she identifies the employees spreading rumors, accusations, assumptions, and character killings. That could lead to a reprimand or, worse, a dismissal.
TWO WAYS TO KILL THE GOSSIP
There are two easy ways to end gossip and thereby protect your career.
First, when your caustic workplace critic launches a barrage of nasty statements about a colleague, simply say, “Please don’t say anything more about Jim. He’s a team member I respect very much. He’s supported me. and always cooperated with me. Ever since the company brought me in. I choose not to talk about him unless you have something affirmative to share now. “
Second, insist on documentation. “You are saying that Ellen has been involved in the illegal handling of our accounts. Before we talk further about this, I want you to bring me a list of specific transactions and their dates. When you do, I will consider your evidence carefully.”
Use these two gossip killers and you will keep your career safe from slanderous sabotage.