Hi Q Training

Talented Trusted Training Solutions — 604-313-9955 |info@hiqtraining.ca

  • Who We Are
    • About Hi Q
    • Judith McLean, Trainer
    • Our Clients
    • Testimonials
  • What We Do
    • Training Course Options
    • Training Tools
    • Partners
  • Resources
    • Events
    • Blog
  • Contact

July 14, 2014 By Judith McLean Leave a Comment

Have you ever been the Target of Gossip?

tongue

Gossip, rumours and speculation at work can be very hurtful, and can harm workplace relationships.

Sometimes when people feel frustrated, bored or lonely, they can share personal or private information about others as a way of getting attention, relieving stress or creating excitement. Sometimes it’s just a slip of the tongue, an exaggeration or thoughtless small talk. Sometimes people engage in gossip as retaliation for gossip or rumours that they think were shared about them.

Workplaces that have a high degree of gossip can feel very unsafe for everyone, including the people who do the gossiping. Gossiping breaks down social support at work. If this is happening at your workplace, you may want to think about some of these suggestions.

Getting support for yourself

Being the target of gossip can be very hurtful. It is normal to feel angry and frightened in response to gossip about ourselves. Consider finding ways of addressing the hurt, anger and fear outside of work, perhaps with a trusted friend or counselor. This will also help you to manage your emotions at work, so that you are able to feel confident in how you handle situations with those who are doing the gossiping, instead of responding in anger or frustration at them.

It is tempting to want to get back at people who are doing the gossiping by talking about them or otherwise getting revenge. If you do that, it is probable that you will keep this going a lot longer than you would if you chose not to retaliate.

Preventing gossip

Many people have friendships in the workplace, but when we are unwell we may lose our judgment about boundaries around appropriate conversations. If you wish to prevent gossip and rumours in the future, here are some ideas you may consider.

  • Sharing only information that you are comfortable having others talk about
    We never know when someone may pass on private information that we have shared. In an effort to connect with co-workers, we may share private details of our lives. Consider instead connecting without sharing private details and keeping workplace relationships friendly, warm and professional.
  • Engaging in ‘positive gossip’
    Decide that all of your ‘gossip’ will be about what people have done right.
  • Creating your own circle of support
    Having friends at work often means being a friend at work. Consider reaching out to those who need a friend.
  • Pre-empting gossip about the unknown
    If you have been away or unwell, think about how you want to give information rather than allow people to come up with their own story.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect with HiQ Training

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Latest Blog Posts

  • RETIRE ON PURPOSE. Not sure what to buy a friend who wants to retire? Pay me $Age or $85
  • Have you got a plan post Covid 19? Want a hand to work on the next chapter?
  • Happier Customers, Stronger Bottom Line
  • Our Commitment to You
  • Judith’s new Bio
"Thank you for your professionalism. Coming up with our own Vision Statement was paramount. I felt very comfortable and safe." –TS, 2013
"Thank you for having empowered me to be more patient and understanding toward other people’s behaviour. –WM, 2013'
"Really enjoyed the class. Judith's in-depth knowledge of adult education keeps everyone engaged. She stimulated my personal growth." -TM, 2012

Copyright © 2021 Site by Spark Gaia