Gossip LO350
C. B. Willis (cbwillis@netcom.com)
Mon, 6 Mar 1995 19:58:20 -0800 (PST)
Gossip is derogatory conversation behind the scenes, sometimes spiced
with speculation about the future. It's a form of covert hostility, and
says that the people who indulge in it feel powerless to create an
atmosphere of trust in the open workplace where true dialogue, conflict
resolution, and issues resolution could take place. Gossip is a very poor
substitute for healing, gives only the illusion of release by dumping,
sows the seeds of discord, and undermines leaders and teams. I've seen
organizations destroyed by gossip, especially fragile startups. It's
amazing how many people who are otherwise professional and competent allow
themselves to indulge in gossip, and don't see the destructive
consequences, don't have the courage to put a stop to it. OT needs to
foster healthy alternatives and "bigger games" that actually resolve the
problems gossip tries and fails to solve.
C.B.Willis
Executive Inquiry, 1250 Oakmead Pkwy, Ste 210, Sunnyvale CA 94088
408-734-9110
cbwillis@netcom.com
> From: jack@his.com Jack Hirschfeld
> Date: Sun, 05 Mar 95 12:39:03
> Subject: Re: leadership LO337 (was Re: Self-organized Learning)
>
> Subject: Re: leadership LO323 (was Re: Self-organized Learning)
>
> Sam asks: "I wonder if the gossip process in organizations is an
> information compost heap?"
>
> I think not. Gossip is hardly ever productive, and it is always
> dissipative of energy. ...