How to Curtail Gossip
Fourteen percent of the workplace conversation is gossip, according to a series of studies complied by the University of Pennsylvania in 2004. These studies assert that some positive gossip helps an individual relate to others in a social circle and serves an evolutionary purpose. However, too much negative gossip, such as spreading a rumor, will alienate the victim and the person gossiping. Fortunately, you can curtail negative gossip if you choose not to participate.
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Instructions
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Walk away from the group or person who is gossiping. This will give a clear sign that you are not interested in the information he is sharing. Be polite, and give an excuse for leaving, because storming out a room will just lead to more negative talk.
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Don't repeat rumors. If you hear a rumor about a third party, don't repeat it to anyone else. This will eliminate one channel of gossip.
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Give yourself a time limit when talking about a third party who isn't present. If you find yourself bringing up one person's name more than twice in a conversation, then change the subject. Do not talk about any one person for more than one minute. This will prevent gossip from getting out of hand.
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Focus on the positive aspects of a person. Gossip is not always critical. Think of a positive aspect of the target's accomplishments or personality and highlight that instead of the negative.
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Confront problems directly. Approach the source of the problem, and express your wish to resolve the issue directly. Inform her that you have heard the gossip and that you would like to speak for yourself.
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References
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Comments
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This site is great if any one trying to eliminate idle gossip from their life, it really is a waste of time, and clearly causes pain.
