Can we just stop the office gossip? Because that’s all it is gossip. Fueling the fragile egos of those who can’t or won’t support, uplift, and encourage coworkers. Chances are those who are gossiping have no idea what the person or people they are gossiping about have gone through. They have no idea how many times the person they are gossiping about has been knocked down, only to get back up, in hopes that this time will be better; someone will see their potential, and choose them to mentor so that they can become the best version of themselves. Gossip is akin to the green-eyed monster that festers and spreads its poison like wildfire. Unless you know how to recognize it, chances are, you will fall victim to its siren song. And for what, to feed off of each other’s assumptions of how someone got a promotion.
Don’t get me wrong, there are those out there who did not work for the raise, promotion, or status in the workplace; and, unfortunately, those are the cases we hear about more; but when you’ve been working your ass off for decades only to be told “your not good enough” when someone finally makes an offer, it’s hard to get excited. You think, “This is a joke”; “What’s the catch”; or you turn it down simply because you’ve had it with false promises.
When someone starts rumblings of a rumor, think; is it true, is it kind, is it helpful. If it’s none of these; disengage. It’s the only way to stop rumors. If you find yourself in a leadership position, it is your responsibility to model ethical behavior. If you don’t, won’t, or can’t, are you really suited for leadership or are you trying to win a popularity contest?
Balancing Cat 