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.
We’re with you. Gossip, especially in the workplace is toxic. It makes people feel disrespected, guilty, angry, and if we want to talk in business terms – not productive.
We are also on a mission to rid gossip from the workplace – so glad to meet a comrade. We call the judgments people make about other people’s use of time SLUDGE. It sounds like this:
“10:00 and you’re JUST getting in? Wish I had your job.”
“There goes Kristin at 3:00 to get her kid again. Wish I had a kid and could leave early all the time.”
“Did you hear about Tom’s promotion? How did that happen? He’s never even here!”
The workplace is the best place to start the elimination of gossip. Everything will spread from there.
Who’s up for the challenge?!
Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson
Creators of the Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)
Authors of the forthcoming book “WHY WORK SUCKS AND HOW TO FIX IT”
Comment by caliressler — April 8, 2008 @ 8:15 pm |
I have discovered that gossip is the crack cocaine of conversation.
Some folks can’t wait to get another hit of “hot” news. Gossip acts like fly paper, if you get drawn in – you may get stuck.
Being on the receiving end of gossip over the years, my motto has been – If you can’t say anything nice…don’t say anything at all.
People think I’m shy.
Comment by framegirl1 — April 14, 2008 @ 1:13 pm |