How to Stop the Spread of GOSSIP

 

As in any circumstance that is communication and relational based at work, leader involvement is critical.  Leaders set the tone for a “No Tolerance Policy” for gossip and other destructive behaviors.

If You Are a Leader

1.       Design a clear policy and procedure.

2.       Announce the policy in person AND in writing to everyone.

3.       Outline the chain of command and create a No Toleration Policy.

4.       Define the roles that each person plays in gossip and the level of responsibility that EVERYONE will be held too.

5.       Do not change or make exceptions to the chain of commands.

6.       Do not threaten people but rather set a strong beneficially precedence.

7.       Reinforce positive feedback and behavior.

8.       Discuss a time that everyone was a victim of gossip and how it felt.

9.       Include the carriers in positive function to contribute to policy effectiveness.

10.   Keep them updated on policy or procedure changes.

 

Although gossip is often experienced in childhood remember that you are now dealing with adults.  Learn to respond not react to any discussion around this subject. Be prepared for the new rules to be tested because they will be.

(this set of bullets needs a title for clarification, but I’m not sure what it would be)

·         Listen briefly and redirect them to their supervisor

·         Notify their supervisor and enforce the chain of command

·         Believe in the process, the effort can seem greater than the outcome but it is not

·         Keep discussions open and ongoing

·         Uncover the source not the symptoms and fix the source (communication channels)*

·         Celebrate the positive side of every situation

 

Clear, constant, constructive communication will keep the vine of gossip from spreading and creating a stranglehold on a positive culture.

Anyone can impact and even stop gossip in the workplace.  I challenge each and every one of you to www.STOPGOSSIPNOW.com.

How to SPOT a GOSSIPER

When you first encounter a gossiper they will seem nice and welcoming maybe even a little too nice.  You will soon become aware of the fact that other co-workers avoid them it may even appear that others are being mean to this person but they have just learned the hard way to keep their distance.  If you don’t learn by observation you may be next target.

HOW TO SPOT A GOSSIPER

• They have low self esteem they constantly complain about something or someone
• They always have something to gossip about and gain favor by being ‘in the know’
• They will point out how they were better or “right” in the situation
• They are high maintenance employees
• They triangulate to gain support
• They are angry and resentful of others success

A gossiper who is not confronted and stopped will just become more confident   The rumors will become more subtle, more dangerous and frequent. The targets of gossip are usually more successful and more competent than gossipers; they are respected and seen as leaders within an organization.

A gossiper has a talent for seeking out disgruntled workers, and they manipulate them into their conspiracy theory  

Why YOU should care about gossip

Why YOU should care about gossip…

Gossip is one of the most prevalent and destructive forms of communication used in today’s society.  It is used in the guise of news or the source of “real” information.  Like the game of telephone, each time a story is repeated or passed on something is changed or added to the original tale.  Gossip is hurtful to everyone involved and is particularly destructive in the workplace.

Managers and Supervisors

Gossipers are the people in the organization who see their success is limited by others.  They spread rumors in order to become popular.  They embellish stories so that they can be seen as “in the know” and a source for information. They use this to gain control over their environments and co-workers.

Gossip

1.       Is the number one cause of decrease in productivity and creation in the workplace

2.       Divides and isolates individuals, compromising or killing teamwork

3.       Causes pain and resentment

4.       Can critically affect customer service

Stop Gossip Now!

 

Who have your gossiped about?

Stop Gossip Now

I feel passionate about wiping out gossip in the world and I want to start in the workplace.  This blog series is dedicated to this end. 

Gossip is like the infamous kudzu vine. Kudzu is native to Japan and China, however it also grows well in the Southeastern United States. Kudzu is a vine that when left uncontrolled will eventually grow over almost any fixed object in its proximity including other vegetation. Kudzu, over a period of several years, will kill trees by blocking the sunlight and for this and other reasons many would like to find ways to get rid of it. The flowers which bloom in late summer have a very pleasant fragrance and the shapes and forms created by kudzu vines growing over trees and bushes can be pleasing to the eye during the summer months.

Once gossip takes hold in a company it is like a kudzu vine. It is uncontrollable, smoothers new growth and is very difficult to get rid of.  The eradication of gossip is not easy but necessary to create an open and honest communication culture.

Please share your stories about a time when you have been hurt by gossip.

Got Gossip?

Join us Thursday, April 10th at 7pm mtn for ….

Click here for details http://www.instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=2478135

See you there!