Let’s Stop Gossip

Gossip. It may start as simple venting, and then in an instant it can quickly escalate. While most people think of gossip as verbal, it can be just as prevalent via digital channels.

The definition of gossip is: informal talk or stories about other people’s lives that may be unkind or untrue.

Remember, there is no room in the professional world for gossip (nor in your personal world). Your reputation can be ruined in an instant. You’ll be seen as someone who can’t be trusted, and can not keep confidential information to yourself. Gossip is a destructive form of communication that negatively impacts individuals, teams, and sometimes even entire organizations.

Leaning into positive, direct and open communication can help negate and offset this type of negativity. Here are some ways:

• Lead by example and trust; it’s as simple as keeping private information private;
• Be kind, thoughtful and positive in your communication with others; this tone can encourage them to do the same;
• Neutrally change the subject;
• Politely ask the person to stop;
• Kindly let others know you don’t participate in hearsay;
• Tell the person you’re not comfortable talking about the other person (negatively) without them being present;
• Call it out and then pivot:
  • “This sounds like gossip, how about we move on.”
  • “Let’s be more productive with our time.”
  • “This is not our business to debate, why don’t we get back to getting our project done.”
• Let others know you prefer to be informed upfront if something involves you:
  • “Please know I’m always open to you telling me first if there’s an issue with me or my work. I think open and honest communication is the best way to clarify and move forward.”
  • “Please, let’s take a moment and chat about this rumor regarding me now, and get it ironed out and resolved.”
• Communicate that you would like to go directly to the source and/or have a candid and respectful dialogue with all people present:
  • “Have you already told them this?”
  • “Why don’t we ask them to be part of this conversation so we’re all clear?”

“We reveal most about ourselves when we speak about others.” – Kamand Kojouri