Five ways to stem gossip at the workplace

A rumour or gossip is usually generated when there is some uncertainty in the environment or people are anxious about a potentially disappointing outcome.

ET finds out how leaders can stop such a reaction.
Lead By Example

Being a leader means consciously trying to put your best foot forward. “When leading a team comprising all kinds of personalities, the leader must ensure that none of the team members diverges from the team spirit concept by talking ill of a co-worker,” says Nitin Pande, senior vice president — HR advisory and employee services lead, HCL Technologies.

In a moment of weakness or just for the sake of entertainment, a leader must never indulge in any sort of talk that badmouths people at work or brings aspects of their personal array to the workplace that can be made fun of, he adds.

Nip It in the Bud

If you as a leader are anticipating that an event could trigger anxiety and uncertainty, try to diffuse the situation before the rumour starts, says Amit Nandkeolyar, assistant professor of organisational behaviour at ISB. “Explain what is happening to your team to dispel anxiety and cut down chances of

Get the Facts Right

If your efforts to cut down a rumour initially fail and it spirals into a big issue then circulate the facts widely, says Nandkeolyar. Also, sometimes people who report to you take you into confidence about those who may be communicating false statements regarding fellow workers. “To deal with this situation, you must get your facts right and conduct your own investigations instead of relying on one source,” says Pande.

Don’t Repeat a Rumour

The leader might find it difficult to keep track of every bit of talk that goes around in his or her team. “Here it is important for the team lead to step in and maybe provide counselling or guidance to the employee to make sure the morale and spirit of the team is intact,” says Pande. However, never repeat the rumour verbatim — this only fans the rumour more than anything else.

Create a Positive Team

A leader must never try to dodge a potential rumour or gossip by saying things like “no comment”. “That will add to the uncertainty and create more upheaval within the team,” says Nandkeolyar. “Acknowledge their fears and worries and level with them even in terms of what you do not know, instead of just giving them false information that placates them for the moment,” says Pande.