Gossip: A Terribly Virus
At all times and in every situation, I recognize I must treat
everyone---whether they are a close friend, acquaintance, or stranger---with
the utmost care and respect which includes NO GOSSIP!
Admittedly, gossiping is a large part of everyday life for many people and
for some an occasional bit of fun. Nevertheless, once it starts it can spread
like a deadly virus that produces both good and evil in all of us. When it's
positive, it spreads valuable and useful information. When negative, however,
it creates harmful and often irreparable rumors about people and situations,
especially among people we care about.
Follow these three simple guidelines to foster and build a healthy work and
home environment. Practice them on a daily basis.
1. IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY, DON'T SAY IT! Remember this old
saying your grandmother probably told you? This truth transcends time. If the
gossip you want to share isn't complimentary, think twice; even three times,
about whether you dare repeat it. Then don't.
2. WHEN YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, SAY IT DIRECTLY. It's easy to talk about
someone when the person is not around. Whenever you get this urge, stop. This
act alone will help curtail the gossip virus from spreading. Instead, if it's
something of real concern, arrange a time to approach the person one-on-one
to share your views in a sensitive manner.
3. YOU ARE EITHER PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION. You are part
of the problem when you disagree with a co-worker, or don't like a management
decision and you vent frustrations, anger, and displeasure with other
co-workers. This behavior only causes more harm than good. If you must vent,
do it with someone uninvolved, such as a spouse, close friend, or mentor.
Then when you are calm and collected, talk to the person you disagree with
one-on-one with respect and courtesy.
You are part of the solution, however, when you kindly yet firmly excuse
yourself when in the middle of a negative, mean-spirited conversation. State
you are not interested in being a part of such conversations. When the
situation happens during a business meeting, politely ask the person to
please refrain from such comments. If the person persists, leave the meeting.
For more on this subject, see the attached link to read a case study, "How to
Completely Eliminate Office Gossip (Yeah, right)" by R. Summerhurst and J.
Talbott.. The tips section is particularly valuable and provides an
excellent overview of how to keep the office gossip virus from being an
epidemic in your life.
www.labourrelations.org/FeatureArticles/HowToEliminateOfficeGossip.html
FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER. Pass this article on to anyone you know who may have
problems with gossiping. Invite them to contact me with continued dialogue
on this topic. I'd enjoy hearing from them.
QUESTION: What other items do you have to add to this list? Do let us hear
from you by locating this article at www.AdvancedEtiquette.com/blog. You may
also reach us at www.AdvancedEtiquette.com. If you enjoyed this article and
want more, subscribe to our "Etiquette Tip of the Month" newsletter---at no
charge---filled with great monthly tips on all sorts of topics from
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Happy Practicing!
Gossip: A Terribly Virus
By: beth rite
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