Rumors. They seem to be a permanent fixture in our society, and to be honest, I’m not quite sure how many of us would like to see that undone. They can be very juicy and turn an otherwise humdrum day into some good talking times. 
And whether we like to admit it or not, we all have spread some “by accident”, such as we may have said the wrong thing, the right thing but at the wrong time, or did not have enough information or proper context to speak on something. Now the worst case scenario is when a rumor is deliberately started to malign someone for some very unholy motives. The blood!
One place I’d like to warn people to be careful of when it comes to rumors is the work place. Most of us spend at least 7-8 hours a day working with people who, like it or not, become a sort of family to us while we’re there. In order to successfully navigate the office, we have to be careful what we say and to whom. A simple statement that may have been said in jest may have been repeated in a serious context. An observation may be relayed as a judgment, or a person who has aught against another may decide to damage another’s reputation altogether by attempting to turn others against that person. Then there are people who may no longer want you around and will speak against you to others in order to undermine your contribution. Last, but not least, there are those who may not say anything against you, but for whatever reason are all too eager to let you know others are talking about you. In any area of life this is dangerous, but especially at work.
It’s one thing to hop on the rumor mill if you are a lay person, but it is a whole other ballgame if you hold a leadership position. It is especially crucial that you do not involve yourself in the rumor mill because doing so may cause you to operate with bias, which is turn ruins your credibility with your subordinates. It is a horrible feeling for employees to know their employer is dealing with them according to unsubstantiated claims, or ill feelings rooted in personality differences and not work performance. Professionalism and discipline must trump these things.
I encourage all of you today to deal with the real. If you are quick to believe something about others, the next time the “other” may be you.
Be blessed!
Rumors have no place in or out of the workplace. However, I hear a lot and I keep it to myself. It is not my place to say anything about the matter. Now, if you want to know if it is true, get it straight from the source.
I can definitely say you are very good in that department. You are a true left brain. You need cold, hard facts!
Jesus said it best: do unto others…
You know us women love a good story!
You are right we are all guilty of being a part of the rumor mill even if it is unintentional.We just have to think before we speak and put ourselves in shoes of the person we are talking about . We have to make a conscious effort not to gossip.
It is so easy to get caught up at work, and we know the interpersonal dynamics are not the same as in our personal lives. Loyalties shift like the sand on the beach.
You are so right about rumors. They can ruin relationships and it is especially important that a manager does not do it. I know people expected to keep your information private and I have heard them spread rumors. I did not trust them again. Thanks for this post, it is very valid.
I hear you. It’s one thing if it’s lateral, but when it comes from the top, it’s even more unsettling. Leadership comes with responsibility, and in order to truly embody that, character must be developed. A lot of people get by with credentials and talent, but you need more than that to positively influence others.