| Gossip can be very unpleasant and you are right to | | | | Second, if you feel comfortable doing so, approach |
| be concerned. In fact, I believe that gossip can not | | | | people who are gossiping and share something |
| only be hurtful, but it can even be deadly: good | | | | positive you know about the person they are |
| people have been destroyed by rumors! | | | | discussing; be careful not to accuse them of unethical |
| In the case of your office, you say there are "a | | | | conduct, even if you believe it to be the case. |
| number of people" which would suggest that there is | | | | Third, attempt to evaluate each discussion in social |
| likely a Culture of Gossip which is even more | | | | settings, such as in the lunch room and photocopy |
| troubling. | | | | room, for example, and identify the source of the |
| While there may be certain people who view gossip | | | | gossip. You may discover that there is one |
| as simply harmless small talk about other employees - | | | | "ringleader" who is the most obvious offender. |
| who are not a part of the conversation - it should | | | | And, fourth, as a courtesy to a recipient of gossip, |
| nearly always be considered unethical. | | | | alert them to the situation and offer to support the |
| Gossip is generally composed of inaccurate | | | | employee. The individual may be surprised, even hurt, |
| information and, in my experience, is it usually | | | | to know that his or her name has been slandered to |
| designed to embarrass or wound in some way. | | | | some degree. |
| The Culture of Gossip in your office probably can't be | | | | It is important to remember that the Culture of |
| eliminated completely, but it certainly can be reduced | | | | Gossip needs the tacit approval of virtually everyone |
| using a few basic strategies. | | | | in an office to flourish. Your concern and gentle |
| First, commit yourself to breaking the gossip cycle: if | | | | intervention will have a significant impact on its |
| you happen to be present when a rumor is shared, | | | | acceptance and will bring gossipers to account for |
| be sure not to pass it on - to anyone. | | | | their cruel behavior. |
