Shhh! Don't tell anyone! How to manage office gossip openly and decisively.

His PA called, informing Jenny that the boss wanted to see her immediately. What could it be about? What was so urgent? He normally called her directly...so many thoughts were running through her mind.

Jenny walked into his office. Her friend Mark was seated at the boss' desk looking nervous...it was strange.

After a couple of jokes, the boss suddenly became serious and turned to Mark. "So Mark, please repeat what you were saying about Jenny earlier and don't miss any of the details".

Mark looked at the boss with disbelief. He attempted to explain himself. He hadn't meant it, it was just a joke, some harmless gossip. The boss turned to Jenny and explained that Mark had come to share some "juicy gossip" about her, and that he neither had the time nor the tolerance for gossip at the office.

This manager set a a powerful tone for his team's attitude towards gossip. He demonstrated how transparency builds trust as both Jenny and Mark can rely on their boss to address them directly rather than going behind their backs.

So what does it take?:

1. Courage - be prepared to ruffle some feathers.

2. Transparency - be open about your approach.

3. Fairness - apply the principle fairly.

4. Lead by example - don't entertain or spread gossip.

Does this sound challenging? Well, it's totally doable!

Reach out if you need my help dealing with gossip at your workplace👍🏽.