Prevent your company from becoming high school all over again with these four tips.
"Hey, did you hear ... "
Gossip--it's
something that no company wants within its walls, but it's going to
happen. And if you think your employees aren't spreading it, well, I
hate to break it to you, but you're wrong.
A little gossip isn't harmful; in fact, a recent study at Stanford even
suggests it could be a good thing (as long as it benefits the larger
group as a whole). But sometimes, there are bigger rumors that have the
potential to cast a sense of distrust throughout the entire
organization, where employees might think that something is up and they
aren't being informed for a reason.
If you're the leader
of your company, you need to acknowledge the gossip and let your
employees know what's really going on. The longer you choose to ignore
it or wait it out, the more likely it'll spread to other parts of the
company--and the more likely it'll get even more inaccurate, just like
the old game of telephone.
Here are four ways stop the rumor mill from spinning out of control:
1. Get to the bottom of it.
Before you can do anything to quell the gossip, get your
facts straight. This might mean asking your managers or department heads
what they've heard. If you've fostered a good relationship with them,
where they're comfortable telling you all the good and bad things going
on with their teams, then the easier it'll be to pinpoint exactly what's
being spread around the halls and to what extent.
2. Address it directly.
Your first reaction might be to just talk to the person
who's spreading the rumors. But what about all the folks who heard the
rumor and, although they're not actively telling others, think what
they've heard is true?
You need to address the entire team, perhaps even the
entire company. But instead of making the meeting about the rumors, turn
it into an open forum for employees to voice their concerns about
anything, related to the gossip or not. Take questions from everyone in
advance so you can prepare your answers. Put out a suggestion box so
people can submit their questions anonymously. Yes, that's
old-fashioned, but you'd be surprised at how honest employees can be
when their identity is protected and respected.
3. Be frank.
The type of rumors that can really hurt a company are the
ones that make employees think that leadership is hiding something from
them. So be honest. If a mistake was made, own up and promise that it
won't happen again. If it was simply false information, say so. (But
don't point fingers at anyone in front of a group.) If employees are
unhappy or confused about certain decisions made by leadership, provide
context so they can see the bigger picture and all the things happening
behind the scenes that they might not have been aware of. Honesty breeds
honesty.
4. Confront repeat offenders.
Inevitably, you'll have an employee who just can't keep his
or her mouth shut and is always on the lookout to spread any kind of
information, whether good or bad. (I call him "Gary the Gossip.")
In this case, you might have to have a one-on-one with Gary and tell
him that if he "hears" any rumors, to come to you directly. The idea is
to make him feel that you trust him to get the facts straight first
before asking or telling his co-workers.
You can't keep your people from talking. But these four
tips should help prevent your company from becoming high school all over
again.
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