No Drama Allowed!

Question

How much do you guys hate/despise office rumors/gossip/drama? I am all for relationships and know that they take energy but I do not allow negative energy that can be prevented. Meaning -I accept you had a bad day, lets go for coffee to vent and relax. That does not mean I want to hear that Betty had on red shoes with brown pants -the horror or Susie said Joe messed up on this... blah blah blah. Anyone else agree?

Barb Hansen · Answer

Completely agree., I hate toxic gossip (which is most gossip) and like you, I don't mean that 'I'm having a bad day, please let me vent for 5 minutes' types of conversations.

We are not in high school anymore, lets move on.

I have tried a few different way to handle toxic-gossip.

1. Try to move the conversation away from the current gossipy-topic (this generally works)

2. Flat out say 'we are not in high-school anymore, let's move on'  or 'I hear you, but we, as woman, need to support each other, let's move on' (which I admit is a pretty strong power-move)

3. I get back to work, if it appears that the person is hell bent on dragging everyone into the 6th level of gossip-hell.

As a manager, I have been faced with the fall-out of toxic gossip when rumors are spread, or the gossiped-on staff member starts to feel the affect, then serious conversations need to be had with the responsible team member (if it can be determined) or the team in general.

Anonymous · Answer

Definitely agree! I had a previous job where one of my coworkers would talk drama and gossip all day... to the point where I was curious what she even got done for work. Not only was it distracting, but it was mentally draining (and when you didn't want to participate she caused even more drama). Needless to say, I'm happy to not work with her anymore!

Liz Bui · Answer

When I use to be a manager, you just don't have time to deal with Gossip, especially during a busy shift. I usually get it from employees that just don't have enough to do or enough day to day interactions that whenever they get a chance to have that interaction, they use a line that catches & holds everyone's attention, hence gossip. I don't think it's productive or a great way to build camaraderie in the work place. Take that outside of your shift/work day over some coffee/drinks and that should be more appropriate. Don't fall for those types of convos!

Anonymous · Answer

I get my drama from the housewives franchise on bravo and keep it drama free at work ;)

Erin Howard-Reid · Answer

You are all going to hate me... I LOVE drama. I just know better than to create any or make judgments.

I wish no ill-will on anyone - but when work becomes monotonous hearing about Janet's affair or Becky and Cynthia's Girl Scout Cookie sales rivalry keeps me entertained just enough to work through the boring, yet necessary tasks.

Logically, I know it's stupid. But I never let it interfere with my work. It makes for humor and reminds me that work and life doesn't have to be 100% serious at all times.

As for what people are saying about me – I don’t care. If they aren’t coming to me about the issue it’s their problem and not mine so I’d rather let them have it.

But malicious drama with career-ending intent? That’s just ridiculous and I won’t partake.

Kimberly Mc · Answer

I find these types of conversation very draining on me and then I also have to think - what is being said about me behind my back? A few times I've actually said, hey - we're not bashing person X - s/he's my friend. Other times I just try to change the subject. I also keep to myself at work which helps me avoid these discussions all together. I think it looks poorly on the people running others down, and it's not at all professional.

BansheeBailey · Answer

Yeah,  not a fan of gossip ever since I heard a false rumor going around about me at one of my first jobs, spread by people I’d never even spent any time with, let alone told my life story to - and the kicker was that these people worked in HR! If someone tells me a story about someone, I always wonder what they’re going to say about ME behind my back.

I had some natural cover when I became payroll manager for my next employer- it was expected that I wouldn’t get too chummy with others, so I had no chance to gossip.

No doubt I missed a lot of juicy stories, but that is the price one must pay for professionalism.  At least I think people trusted me.

EMMA RADEMAKER · Answer

yea totally! I hear a lot of drama, and being there and hearing it gets kinda old.

No Drama Allowed!

You're invited.

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