Gossip and Rumor in an Organization

While we often use gossip and rumor synonymously, they are in fact, two different things. And unfortunately, they can both damage, and sometimes cripple and organization or business.

Gossip

Gossip seems to be more commonplace than vicious rumors. While gossip may be mean-spirited idle chatter about others, it typically has no specific intent.  It may also hurt others  and could derail career and hurt business. But it is most often not as damaging as rumors.

Rumor

Rumor, on the other hand is deliberate. It is a purposeful attempt to spread lies and innuendos about the organization or individuals in the organization with the specific intent to hurt. Most often than not, rumor is nothing more than untruths. While one may feel that are doing the organization a service by passing along an rumor, in reality, that person is only adding to the problem.

Avoid Gossip and Rumor

Both rumor and gossip should be avoided in an organization. While a little gossip may seem to be fun and sometimes encouraged, by an large, it too, should be avoided. I have personally seen idle gossip turn into hurtful rumors. So, when confronted with rumors and gossip, what should you do?

First, don’t pass it along. If it is gossip, simply smile, walk away, and make sure that you are not the one doing the gossiping. Don’t be a party to this type of behavior. If you want to learn more about your co-workers go to them and get to know them. If someone comes to you and wants to gossip, simply tell them you are too busy to chat at the moment and go about your daily business. There’s no upside to being an gossiper in an organization.

When Confronted with Rumors

If you are confronted with a rumor about someone in the organization or about the organization in general, that is more serious. This type of information can hurt the business results of the company and damage an individual’s career. Since more often than not rumors are not true, you should report the rumors to your manager so that it can be stopped. You are not under any obligation to reveal the source of the rumor, so it is just best to go to your manager and let her know what you’ve heard. And leave the source as anonymous.

Few things can polarize an organization as effectively and quickly as gossip and rumor. Many people can be hurt by idle chatter and baseless accusations. While rumors might have a basis in fact, it is best to simply pass the information you have heard on to your management team so that they can put together a plan to either refute or establish the veracity of what is being passed along. The best policy is to always be a great teammate and refrain from passing gossip and rumor along to others in the organization.