How do You Feel About Gossip?


Submitted by staff on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 12:57

gossipGossip. It’s irresistible, and often it can get us into trouble. So why does this article on CNN suggest that it might not be such a bad thing?

A series of studies in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology concluded that gossip maintains social order. That when there’s gossip or the threat of gossip in any situation, people work together better.

In my opinion, regardless of the results of this study, gossip gets a bad rap because it should. It’s counterproductive. Via email or in person, what does talking about others accomplish? Sure, you get the satisfaction of knowing something someone else doesn’t for a short while, but then don’t you feel regret for spreading a rumor? For being malicious?

You certainly don’t want to become identified as the “office gossip.” Because then your coworkers may deem you untrustworthy. That might not only affect how your colleagues interact with you on a personal level but also on a professional level.

So what do you think about gossiping?

— Sarah Tobol, Editor


Gossip

Submitted by Alan Allard on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 16:24.

Sarah, I agree with you that most gossip, by far, is not what could be put in the positive category. Positive gossip is great; I think we probably all agree on that.

Negative gossip will damage any professionals image and brand. It's not just how we communicate that is important. What we communicate is just as important. What many do not realize is what we say to others is heard not only by them but also by the subconscious mind of the speaker. Words and the emotions attached to them have impact and consequences.

As for the series of studies suggesting that gossip or the threat of gossip leads to people working better together, here is my take on that: Perhaps it does motivate people on some level, but that is not the level enlightened leaders operate from. Fear might motivate, but at what cost? 

Great leaders inspire, average or poor leaders threaten.

Thanks for a great blog post!

 

Alan Allard, Ph.D. is a former psychotherapist who now coaches clients for personal and professional success and fulfillment. He is the author of the e-book "Mental Aikido: Rediscover Your Powerful Self," a story about resilience and thriving in the midst

Agreed

Submitted by stobol on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 16:42.

There was something that bugged me about the studies that I hadn't quite verbalized before, and you said it for me: the motivation by fear. It's not a good office environment if people are walking on eggshells because they might be gossiped about.

Thanks for your comment!

Sarah

How Do You Feel About Gossip?

Submitted by Vannie on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 13:56.

I do not believe all gossip is bad. When I worked my 9 to 5 there was often very possitive gossip flowing. And that's a good thing. It was not always true but did do much to raise spirits. I think it is the negative gossip that harmful to individuals and often a company.  The odd thing is when possitive gossip is not true, it is met with dissapointment and allowed to settle and die a quiet death. For some reason negative gossip lingers, sometimes for years.

Vannie Ryanes
http//workandfamily.bellaonline.com
http//www.abettercook.com
On Twitter: @Vannie_Ryanes and @ABetterCook

Definitely. And could gossip change?

Submitted by AnnaW on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 09:30.

Who doesn't love positive gossip? Or even better, overhearing positive gossip about yourself.

One thing I think about a lot...can gossip change? We live in a society where it's not socially acceptable to tell someone a truth that would hurt them in the short term but benefit them in the long term. Something like, "Hey, I think the way you're dressing might be changing the way people see you professionally" is sometimes hard to say, but the person you're saying it to might thank you (silently) farther down the road.

These bits of truth don't need to be mean-spirited and said behind people's back. If we were all a little more honest, positive gossip could start winning the battle over negative.

A great point

Submitted by stobol on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 15:50.

Vannie, you do bring up a great point. In my own experience though, I've rarely heard gossip that was positive.

Sarah

Could you give us an example?

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