Psst…Did You Hear?

Jun 13

The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them.
–Will Rogers

Do you have a whisper and gossip culture at your shop? And if you do, what’s the odds of creating a high involvement workplace?

About the Author
Frank Roche

Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.

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Comments

  1. I also like, “Three people can keep a secret if two are dead.”

  2. Frank Roche says:

    Ain’t that the truth? I hate the gossip culture…but I love a good secret.

  3. Bill says:

    Sometimes knowing how gossip works at your place can be a powerful tool to getting out information in a way that is very sticky.

  4. Frank Roche says:

    Great point. Trials balloons are launched in the rumor mill first.

  5. rick says:

    If you manage people it is so important to keep up with the gossip. Far too many things become real even when they aren’t. It is best to correct misperceptions quickly.

  6. I remember a salon client once called the backroom the devil’s playground. This is where all the stylist went to “gossip” and destroy the morale of the salon.

    Ultimately, the client changed out all the staff (over a few months) and to my knowledge, this does not occur anymore. The current staff has great morale and have all been there for about 5 years.

    Gossip can kill morale. And low morale can kill a business.

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