Countering Workplace Gossip
Let me start by saying that I am not against sharing personal news and accessing support from colleagues at school. In fact, such informal conversations are often typical of high-performing teams. But friendly work banter is quite different from gossip, which can be quite destructive to workplace relationships, morale and productivity. There are two main types of gossip: Hurtful personal gossip: This is where sensitive, personal information is being repeated without that person’s consent or what is being said about a is totally untrue and hurtful. I recall one unhappy team member spreading false rumours about her manager who she said was having an affair. If you wouldn’t feel good repeating what is being said within that person’s hearing, don’t say it. Yes, most…