Eight ways to deal with office gossipUnderstand the difference between valid information and gossip. A friendly co-worker has every right to give you a little information about others, as long as it's professional. Don't withdraw, emotionally or physically. Talk about your problems at the office with loyal friends and family.
Let your support group remind you that you are valued and use that knowledge as a protective armor at work. Most importantly, work to reinforce your own self-esteem. Remember all the reasons why you are a valuable partner and human being. Even if you have to write sticky notes or send yourself a text message, it's worth lifting your spirits up.
Spend your breaks with fun or encouraging co-workers and steer the conversation toward topics that enrich their lives. Founded in 1993 by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions achieve financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper columns, radio programs and premium investment services. When I see that the conversation is going in the direction of gossip, I politely stop the person and let them know that I will probably act on the information given to me. Gossip is an obstacle to the solution that harms people and can erode a culture and, at the same time, promote a toxic work environment.
Gossiping about your boss or co-workers is a quick way to be seen as unprofessional, immature, and unreliable. In an ideal world, Beth would have informed Gareth at the time that he would have to share the information with you, unless he was willing to do so himself. Sometimes reducing the degree to which you engage in gossip boils down to strategically changing the subject. Before you do something you might regret later on, read on to see what these 19 experts have to say to help you deal with co-workers who talk behind your back.
Some people have no choice but to work alongside toxic colleagues who make office life unpleasant, if not downright miserable. A positive culture would avoid any kind of gossip or rudeness; it just wouldn't be something done in that culture. If one of them has the nerve to speak directly to you instead of just gossiping behind your back, don't give him anything he can use against you when he returns to his gossipy companions. So what should you do if you find out that a colleague has been gossiping about you? First, let the gossip messenger know that you'll discuss it with the gossipy colleague.
When it comes to dealing with work drama, the main thing to consider is not to let your actions or reactions generate it any more. Gossip is the death of teamwork, as it can create a gap that can sometimes require a high-level leader or manager to spend valuable time refereeing. The most crucial time to address gossip like this is not after hearing it, but when you hear it. Research shows that lack of courtesy is often the first step toward bullying, so it needs to be addressed before it intensifies.
That said, even if there had been NASA-backed research on this topic, I still believe that office gossip can be one of the most difficult social paths to follow.
