Branding Dilemma: How to Handle the Office Gossip about You

Perhaps you learned of gossip about you, inadvertently in a common area or perhaps in an email that went viral.  Most of the time gossip circulates through the workplace. The target hears about it eventually.  Gossip can jeopardize your professional brand. You must be thoughtful about your subsequent action and reaction because your reputation is at stake. 

Assess the Gossip

Often, gossip is based on misunderstandings that are shared from one person to another.  It can be easy to misunderstand what you hear, so make sure you get the facts straight before you do anything.  Next, determine if the gossip is harmful or idle chatter.  Serious, harmful gossip should be addressed if it could potentially damage your professional brand.  Also, try to determine the source and consider the intentions of that person.

Proactively Address the Issue

Privately address the source of the gossip. You may say, “I heard what you said.  Because we work together, I think it’s best for us to talk about it.  I am not upset or judging your criticism. I simply want to hear your concerns so we can move forward.” Accept the information that you gain as constructive feedback. Correct misinformation. If the gossip is more malicious in nature, you may need to involve Human Resources to help resolve the matter.

Let it Go or Ignore the Gossip

If you pretend you did not hear the conversation, you may feel uncomfortable around the person who spoke ill of you.  If you rarely interact with this person, ignoring the issue may be the right course of action.  Secondly, if this person never has a kind word to say about anyone, it is probably best to ignore what you hear because that person’s words are likely not harmful.  Lastly, if the gossip is petty (such as “Can you believe those shoes?”), let it go. In those situations, it is better to take the high road.

What Not to Do

There are some things that you should never do when you have been the target of gossip. 

• Don’t withdraw from interactions in the workplace because you feel beaten down by the gossip. Instead follow you normal routine; if you are uncomfortable, stay close to your allies.
• Don’t retaliate with an insult or initiate gossip against your “attacker.”  Take the higher ground.
• Don’t bend the ears of your co-workers and boss about how you were mistreated. It weakens your brand and calls more attention to the issue.  If you need to vent, vent your feelings to a close friend not associated with your workplace.
• Don’t allow your emotions to take control.  To take your mind off the gossip, focus on your work and the positive aspects of your career and work environment.

Whether you decide to address the situation or to ignore it, make your choice thoughtfully.  Carefully attend to your brand by tending to your career, genuinely supporting others, and being a positive force in the workplace.

Build relationships with other positive people in your work environment. Be a role model by not partaking in or initiating gossip. It does not have to be a brand burner if you follow the above tips.