Keep office gossip to a minimum

Shakespeare said it best: "Beware, friends of gossip.

It is the big-mouthed monster that mocks the juicy news it feeds on."

Lies, rumors, and office gossip have always been an entrenched part of the workplace.

But when the gossip mill begins to grind people up and ruin their reputations, there is both cause for concern and a real need for management to step in.

When left to fester, vicious gossip can not only cause deep personal pain but also lead to turnover, conflict and lawsuits.

While there is no way to completely escape cruel rumors in the workplace there are some guidelines to follow to combat it.

Visualize the offending person or persons as lonely with low selfesteem and self-doubt who feels, on some level, very powerless.

Management sets the tone with its attitudes and policies on information disbursement.

When employees know what's going on within an organization particularly with regard to company directives, promotions, and potential actions, they're far less inclined to speculate.

Build a culture that is supportive.

Institute support systems, including counseling for those who instigate or are the target of gossip.

Let workers know management will not tolerate vicious gossip.

Management should be direct but tactful.

Deal with rumors immediately and confront chronic offenders.

A method that can work very effectively at squelching gossip is a group discussion about how people feel about destructive and non-productive talk.

All the planning and preparation in the world cannot prevent gossip.

It serves as one of parts of social interaction and is part or our nature.

A certain amount of small talk helps people feel closer to coworkers.

It humanizes the workplace and helps people bond.

It is management's responsibility to set appropriate boundaries for gossip and a tone of mutual respect.

It's No Rumor: Vicious Gossip is a Problem

* Keep employees informed.

* Build a culture that's supportive.

* Let workers know that vicious gossip is not acceptable.

* Deal with rumors immediately.

* Confront chronic offenders.

Jane Boucher is an author and professional speaker with offices in Reno and Ohio.

Reach her at 775-853-0226, 937-416- 9881 or janeboucher@mail.com.

Her websites are www.janeboucher.com and www.janeboucher.org.