Spread the Word: Gossip Hurts

Whenever two or more people are talking, gossip is likely to enter their conversation. People gossip out of boredom or with the intent to belittle someone else. It hurts feelings and damages reputations. It’s also notoriously inaccurate and gets people upset over nothing.

Don’t engage in gossip and don’t encourage it. Even if the people talking are your buddies, and even if the topic is interesting, don’t validate harmful gossip by showing interest or responding to it.

There is a fine line between passing on useful information and gossiping. You have to examine your motives. Make sure you are not just showing off or using the information to manipulate others. Before you speak about an incident or workplace situation, check your facts. And if you have something to say about someone, say it to the person’s face.