84% of executives cited gossip as a common activity in their offices, according to a recent survey conducted by The Creative Group. And 63% said it has a negative impact on the workplace.
Nice High-School Fashion |
And we are seeing it increase with uncertain times. If left unchecked, you can start to feel like you are in high school again. And frankly I don't want to relive those years...
As leaders, we need to take action.
- Get out there and talk to people. Have real conversations and talk about what people are thinking. Keep your door open and try to avoid closed door meetings with managers. Think about how what you are doing will be perceived when people are scared and worried about their jobs.
- Be real. Help people think about ways to respond to gossip and have direct conversations about it. Tell people what you expect - how we work together as adults, how we create an open environment of trust.
- Use gossip to create a more positive, collaborative environment. Stop gossip and turn it into a constructive conversation - what can we do together to help this person (assuming there is a problem).
I think I would be happier if I knew people weren't talking about me behind my back (unless, of course, they were discussing how wonderful, talented, and attractive I am - wouldn't that be great...). Perhaps just having an open conversation about this would pave the way to a nicer place to work.
I love your Harry Potter glasses...I think you were just ahead of your time! That's what I'm telling people behind your back anyway!
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