Kill Gossip Before It Kills Your Career

“Did you hear that our department’s budget is going to be drastically reduced?”

“Wait until you see what our beloved boss has decided to do next.”

“It appears that Marvin is getting a lot of phone calls that aren’t from his wife.”

Yes, these remarks are one of the most heinous threats to your career. If you choose to listen to and spread company gossip, you have started a downward spiral. Consider the following five reasons why gossip jeopardizes your reputation and long-term standing with your company.

ONE: Gossip portrays you as a negative individual.

You appear toxic as the source or spreader of bad news. You have tainted the working environment. Some of your coworkers will eventually drift away from you during mealtimes and coffee breaks.

Worse, your pessimistic attitude will keep you near the bottom of the organizational chart. Why? Companies want leaders who are encouraging, upbeat, and look for the best in others.

TWO: Gossip is frequently untrue.

Usually, gossip does not imply “gospel truth.” Gossip spreaders take pleasure in spreading rumors based on assumptions and suspicion. So, by getting involved in what may or may not be true, you are supporting dishonest dialogue. That’s bad for your reputation.

THREE: Gossip is not always confidential.

“Now you can be sure this is just between you and me, OK?” says a coworker. No, that is not acceptable, because the person telling you this has most likely told a half-dozen other team members the same thing.

Be aware that when the gossiping employee speaks to another person, he or she is very likely to quote what you said—despite the promise of confidentiality.

FOUR: The person with whom you gossip will gossip about you.

What guarantees that you will not become a victim of gossip because you listened to the office naysayer and shared your thoughts? Nothing. You could become the next target if you give that person your ear and your words.

FIVE: Gossip undermines group morale

When morale plummets, the CEO will begin questioning employees until she identifies those who spread rumors, accusations, assumptions, and character assassination. This could result in a reprimand—or, worse, dismissal.

GOSSIP CAN BE KILLED IN TWO WAYS

There are two easy ways to eliminate gossip and thus protect your career.

First, when your workplace’s scathing critic launches into a tirade against a coworker, simply say: “Please, don’t say anything else about Jim. He is a team member I greatly admire. He has always supported and collaborated with me since the company hired me. I’m not going to talk about him unless you have something positive to say about him right now.”

Second, make documentation a requirement. “You claim Ellen was involved in the illegal handling of our accounts. Before we continue, I’d like you to bring me a list of specific transactions and their dates. When you do this, I will carefully consider your evidence.”

Use these two gossip killers to protect your career from slanderous sabotage.