How to Thwart Office Gossip

Indulging in office gossip can make you appear unprofessional.

Getting drawn into office gossip happens to almost everyone from time to time. While in the short run, it may seem like a harmless way to bond, in the long run gossiping can make you appear untrustworthy. Avoid these unflattering characterizations and avoid office gossip. Letting your coworkers know you will neither listen to nor spread gossip will help stop the rumor mill in its tracks.

Instructions

1. Ask yourself the purpose of the conversation to ascertain whether it is gossip. If the answer is to further yourself and your interests, to gain the attention of others or to cast a coworker in a negative light, the conversation is most likely inappropriate and should stop. Another good indicator it is gossip is if you would be uncomfortable making the same statements to the person's face. If you wouldn't want her to know you said it, keep the information to yourself.

2. Excuse yourself from the conversation, change the subject or state you are uncomfortable discussing people not present.

3. Approach a gossiping coworker, inform him of your concerns and state you find the discussion distracting. If the gossip continues, remind your colleague of your previous request and let him know you will take the matter to a superior, if necessary. If your coworker still fails to heed your warnings, follow through on your vow and either report him to a supervisor or to human resources.

4. Utter statements designed to quash the gossip. These include: "I would feel better if we waited until Mary is here before we discuss her." "I don't feel comfortable talking about someone who isn't here." "Hearing you talk about Mary like this makes me wonder what you say about me when I'm not around." "I don't talk about other people when they aren't present because I wouldn't want them to talk about me either."

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, if you are talking about someone not present, your conversation is likely gossip.

References

• The Washington Post: Dealing With the Office Gossip
• The Sideroad: Stopping Office Gossip
• Business Training Works: Stopping Office Gossip