If you are like most of the general population, you spend a majority of your week in an office or some sort of work environment.  And almost certainly you’ve heard of some gossip at work, or even participated in gossip at work.  At work you’ve created great friendships and have lots of colleagues who you interact with on a daily basis.  No matter how you would like to avoid it or even if you enjoy it, gossip at work is a part of life.

Most career experts agree that avoiding gossip at work is a beneficial thing to do.   If you’re like many of us who spend most of our waking hours at the office, then you know that it’s important to establish good working relationships with your co-workers.   Along with having friends at work, naturally comes the gossip at work.  So what is the best way to enjoy the friendships, but not be actively in the gossip at work?

We offer some ideas.

1)      The first is to maintain a positive outlook and attitude at work.  Unfortunately, the most powerful gossip at work revolves around negativity.  The greatest leaders in the corporate world have always been recognized as positive, forward-looking thinkers who uplift those around them.

2)      The old saying, “What goes around, comes around,” is still true today.  If some gossip at work comes your way and you end up passing it along to others, be prepared for you to be the center if it all the next time through.

3)      Try to avoid hanging out with groups that are known to talk about others, especially in a negative aspect.

4)      If someone comes up and wants to share a secret about someone else at work, or wants to complain about someone and is asking for your help, be sensitive and let them know that it’s unfortunate they feel that way, or show that you’re not interested in listening to the secret they have to share.

5)      This tip is my favorite killer to gossip at work.  It’s the sharing of something off topic that also enlightens the listeners.  You would be amazed how powerful this can be.  Imagine the shift in thinking that would take place when you subtly make the gossipers recognize that their topics are not benefiting anyone.

Lastly, it’s important to note that no one is perfect, including you.  So as such, take note that spreading gossip at work is truly only a reflection of your inner you. Keeping that in mind, it becomes a lot easier to avoid and even stop gossip at work.

To Your Success!