“A gossip is someone with a great sense of rumor”
-Unknown
Rumors are anything but good. They can be very polarizing and create a downright nasty environment to work in. If there are rumors spreading about one or more of your team members do the right thing and don’t chime in.
It can be difficult to avoid the rumor mill. Our society seems to be drawn to it, just look at the number of celebrity tabloids you can find in line at the grocery store. Personally, I have learned that Kylie Jenner has been pregnant or engaged or breaking up about 30 different times in the last two years!
Anyway, I digress, but the point is that people are easily seduced into listening to and gossiping about co-workers, business news or anything counter-productive to creating a winning team. Rumors are a bit like a game of telephone. When the message has finally been passed all the way around, it is probably completely different than the original information, and totally untrue.
Fight rumors through improved communication. Make sure to address issues head-on, even if it is difficult and uncomfortable. Putting the truth out there allows everyone to be on the same page so negative rumors won’t be able to fly so easily.
Creating a work environment where rumors can’t thrive is your best chance at eliminating toxicity in your group and fostering a winning team environment. Any number of our team building events could help your group work on their collaborative skills and move them toward greatness. Maybe a charity event could help them see the bigger picture and start focusing on ideas rather than people.
Get tips for combating rumors in the workplace and team building.
