| Gossip Equals Stress | | | | means my work has been held up. Is there a way |
| Gossip creates a negative, downward spiraling work | | | | we can figure this out and be sure everything is on |
| atmosphere that distracts people from their work | | | | track?" "I have a problem with getting my report out |
| and adds to stress levels in many ways. When you | | | | on time and wonder if you can help me work this |
| gossip, you indulge in feeling righteous and | | | | out." |
| judgmental, which ultimately limits your flexibility, | | | | Follow the Chain of CommandIf you don't get |
| increases anger and frustration, and may be raising | | | | positive results from speaking with your co-worker |
| blood pressure or having other stress-related health | | | | directly, go to your boss or your co-worker's boss |
| effects. And if you've ever been the subject of | | | | with a clear statement of the problem and how it is |
| gossip you know how painful and destructive it can | | | | impacting your work. Again, by focusing on the |
| be. Just walking past a group of folks who judge you | | | | problem and desired solution, leave room for positive, |
| can be extremely stressful and interfere with your | | | | solution-focused thinking. "I might be missing |
| ability to perform your job. | | | | something, but for the last three weeks, Kelly has |
| Escape the Gossip-Stress Trap | | | | not met the Tuesday deadline on xyz, which means |
| In some places, gossip is the norm. How do you get | | | | that I can't make my Wednesday deadline. Is there a |
| away from it? You'll often see the advice, "Don't | | | | way we can smooth this out so the work can flow |
| gossip." But what does that mean? What can you do | | | | better again?" |
| instead to maintain professional behavior, boost | | | | Speak Kind Words or None at All |
| morale, respect all individuals and maintain a peaceful, | | | | This old saw contains great wisdom. Think before |
| productive, low-stress working atmosphere? | | | | you open your mouth. Is what you are about to say |
| Walk AwayIf co-workers are gossiping, quietly | | | | going to help the situation or contribute to the overall |
| excuse yourself. "Uh-oh, I just remembered I need | | | | stress level? Is it likely to harm the listener or the |
| to do something five minutes ago," will help you | | | | subject of the conversation? Would you feel |
| escape quickly. Breathe a sigh of relief and pat | | | | stressed out if someone else said this kind of thing |
| yourself on the back for side-stepping a | | | | about you? |
| stress-producing situation. | | | | When a negative or judgmental thought pops into |
| Go to the PersonIf you are concerned about another | | | | your mind, hold it. Go do something productive |
| person, or you need information about their work or | | | | instead of speaking. Simply observe yourself being |
| lack of it, it's kinder, more accurate and more | | | | quiet and shifting gears to master your mind-mouth |
| effective to talk directly with that person. Notice that | | | | connection. At first you may feel uncomfortable |
| the examples below are not blaming the other | | | | holding your tongue, but it gets easier with practice. |
| person but leave plenty of room for a positive | | | | At the end of the day, notice your stress level and |
| discussion to emerge. | | | | how you feel about yourself as a result of minding |
| "I have a concern and wondered if you'd be open to | | | | your words. Chances are you will feel calmer and |
| talking about it." "I might have this wrong, but it | | | | pleased that you helped promote a peaceful |
| seems like you haven't been doing xyz task, which | | | | atmosphere. |
