Most of the problems at workplace emerge from lack of communication or ineffective communication. People can be oceans apart in terms of ideology and perceptions, though they might be working under the same roof. In many offices, free communication is not encouraged and it is because of many reasons including fear of losing a job, apprehensions about office politics or simply a fear of angering someone. Many people don’t know how to address the difficult conversations directly. Therefore, backbiting and gossips take place, simply because people are not able to address the person involved directly. The negative energies at the workplace take a heavy toll on you and your ability to focus upon work. Workplace gossip has viral impact. When a colleague of yours says something bad about someone or something, you start nodding your head in agreement or affirmation out of courtesy. It is a human tendency to complain or share negative vibes about someone. Just as positive feelings are shared, absorbed and circulated; sharing negative feelings is also a great way to express your frustration. Blaming someone as lousy, inefficient, corrupt, biased and unfit for the job is a common practice in almost every office. Unknowingly, we become the carriers of such negative feelings. But, it becomes very dangerous for the company as a unit. That is the reason, workplace gossiping damages team spirit, trust, morale and mutual respect. It triangular approach, in which two people gossip about the third one, who is not present is disastrous for relationships, productivity and collaboration. Negativity, suspicion, jealousy, resentment and even animosity are the natural outcome of negative feelings getting out of control. It is difficult to work in such an environment and talented people start leaving such places, as only the “negative groups” can survive in such a toxic place. However, there are tried and trusted ways to deal with workplace gossip: It is a scientifically proven fact that complaining negatively and gossiping drains your energies. Yes, though it sounds a little unbelievable, but it is a fact that negative conversations are responsible for lethargy, drop in energy levels, and onset of depression. It makes you cynical and unmotivated. The physical effects including heavy shoulders and heavy mind are also the natural outcome of it. You may also feel exhausted and overburdened. It does not serve you in any way and you should therefore try to completely stay away from negative conversations. If you have a natural inclination to criticize, then introspect yourself. Stop the tendency to criticize situations and people, rather than, try to appreciate others for who they are. Challenge yourself to do so, in order to train your mind. When you see the signs of anger in yourself, analyze your situation and find out if there is anything that you want in your life and you’re not able to get it. What is the thing that is bothering you or is frustrating you? Is it a lack of information, skills, respect, participation or inclusion that you badly need? Identify your unmet requirements that propel you to gossip about others. Be genuine and authentic and deliver the information respectfully. If, there is a workplace task that you find challenging, ask your peers what it takes to be successful in that. Success breeds success and successful people do not gossip at the workplace.
[via Salary in India - NaukriHub Blog]
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