Image via @popcultureangel Instagram
Word on the street is that the art world is a pretty gossipy place, but hey – so are most workplaces. Gossiping at work can sometimes be exciting and make you feel part of a tribe. But most of the time what goes around comes back around and gossiping frankly is mean. The thrill of the moment and knowing unflattering information is not worth it for the hurt it can cause. Especially when that person hears you have been gossiping about them. Or the person who told you the information starts gossiping about you- karma!
Here are ways to avoid workplace gossip, because a gossip-heavy work culture can be pretty toxic.
Don’t take part in the gossiping
This may sound all Mr. Captain Obvious, but simply walking away from gossip is the best method. Try your best not to let the gossiper know that you are interested in the gossip. Change the conversation, concentrate on your work, or even physically leave the room. And if someone manages to pass on some gossip while ignoring your obvious ‘don’t come anywhere near me with that nasty gossip vibe’ – just don’t pass it on. Simples!
Change the tune
When the gossiper starts saying the usual negative comments about their victims, interject with compliments about the person. By making a positive comment about the person, you can turn the mood and conversation around – stopping the gossip before it turns mean. It will also shame the gossiper and hopefully make them think about their actions and differently about the person.
Image via @popcultureangel Instagram
Avoid the gossiper
Again, this is a pretty obvious get-out card, however sometimes we forget that we have our own free will! You are more than allowed to physically remove yourself from the situation and person who is gossiping.
Work out the difference between friendly work banter and gossip
Light heartened friendly banter is fun but learn where to draw the line and don’t get sucked into the dark side which turns into gossiping.
Confront the gossiper
Let the gossiper know that their actions are bothering you, be positive and offer to assist the gossiper. Normally when someone gossips it’s a personal problem deep down and perhaps a call for help. Be the better person by helping instead of taking the side of the gossiper and joining in.
Concentrate on the task at hand
Don’t get drawn into the drama. You were hired to work, so focus on doing your own job well. If you indulge in gossip or other bad behavior, you will not only get side-tracked from accomplishing your professional goals, you’ll also get a reputation for being a negative gossip.
Don’t take work gossip to heart
A lot of work gossip is just calculated spiteful nonsense. It is lost in translation while being passed on and is often filled with rumours and errors. Take it on the chin and rise above it, rather than reacting personally or defensively. You are better than it.
Text by Peigi Mackillop
