It seems that every organization has one: the executive who is obsessed with gossip. At VIM Executive Coaching we have known such people, and certainly we have coached more than a few. But it worrying about gossip, indeed is being consumed by gossip a good thing – or harmful? Let’s explore the topic a bit.
Ancient Wisdom
Whether you are a deeply religious or spiritual person, a casual student of philosophy or simply like to read historical texts, one topic that seems to surface again and yet again, are the views in regard to gossip. For the sake of this discussion, I will lump a fixation with the latest news stories in with gossip.
The ancients often told that gossiping “killed” three people. The person gossiping, the person being told the topic, and most importantly, the person who was being discussed.
The executive gossiping, or having a fixation on every piece of company news (or current events), has lost a sense of focus. Often the gossip worthy news has nothing to do with the mission at hand – or even correcting the problem that is the focus of the gossip. For example, if an executive is gossiping about the poor quality of a report or piece of equipment or product, would it not be better to help make improvements, suggestions or to listen to the ideas of others about making corrections? In regard to any kind of fixation on current events and being caught up in a anything from politics, to sports to the stock market, the whims of how the executive views the problems that day, may well influence decision-making in the days and weeks ahead.
The person receiving gossip has several choices, and often those choices are unpleasant. The gossip may distract, or waste time or cause the person to lose focus. All three outcomes might lead to that employee being dissatisfied or frustrated with the work environment. If an employee or co-worker needs a problem resolved, the last thing that person needs to hear, is a tidbit about the CFO or how the company could be acquired in three years or an altercation heard in a board meeting.
Finally, is the person or object who is being talked about. If it is a person, how is that individual supposed to defend themselves? If the gossip implicates or suggests impropriety, and the third party is unaware of the accusations, is that fair? Is it just?
In the case of an object, suppose the gossip leads to industry rumors about quality, or potential safety violations or any type of unsubstantiated problems? There have certainly been situations where gossip is almost taken as news. News, especially in this day and age, can go viral. Therefore, it’s possible that gossip can destroy not only people but an organization.
Behind the Curtain
Those who gossip ultimately do more harm to themselves than to anyone else. Eventually gossipers are “discovered.” But why does it happen? Generally, it is due to a lack of mindfulness. People most often gossip or respond to every news story out of sheer boredom or a feeling that they have no impact, purpose or effectiveness within the organization.
They feel that if they have the slightest bit of knowledge that the other person doesn’t have, they regain a feeling having impact or purpose. It is, unfortunately, a fool’s premise. In fact, the ancients talked of the foolishness of having a “loose tongue.” No one, nothing, is helped by gossip.
If you, as an executive leader, feels possible gossiping or fixation with news is interfering with your effectiveness, then a re-focus on mindfulness and your feelings about your authenticity are suggested.
Understand this: the opposite of gossiping is not being taciturn; it is having greater compassion. At VIM Executive Coaching, we never like to witness any scenario when an otherwise wonderful executive leader has lost compassion, especially for themselves and their capabilities as leaders. We can help.