How to Deal With Negative Rumors about You in the Workplace
Rumors in the workplace are not at all uncommon. If the rumor is damaging, it could impact your self-esteem and career, not to mention steal a lot of your peace of mind. The initial reactons to office gossip are anger and even fighting back. While we see in Hollywood films that grabbing the gossip “mastermind” by the nape and throwing him or her face first onto the desk could be effective, it is not a good thing in real life. That person who spread the gossip may learn his/her lesson, but you may be out of a job. The typical boss hates physical fights in the workplace.
Know how the rumor can affect your immediate environment
The first step is psychological in nature. Consider the gossips for what they really are — these are pieces of information that are simply not true. Reality and perception are two separate worlds. Those who truly care for you, those whom you could call as good friends, know which is which as far as you are concerned.
Decide if you need to act on the rumor
In dealing with negative rumors about you, the conventional wisdom is not to address it unless a strong reason exists. Emotionally, you might be tempted to comment, but pause and ask yourself, “Do I really need to do this”? If this particular rumor is reaching those important to you (people whom you deal with on a personal or professional basis), it would be pragmatic to reach out to these people. In the main, however, rumors must not be given important status.
Now, here is a good question: what about a rumor that is negative but is not exactly false? It could be something in between the truth and an outright lie. Then, it would be a good idea to identify the components making the gossip credible, and since this comes from your very attitude, then some changes would be well-advised.
Find out the persons involved in spreading the rumor
Another thing, and this one is on the packaged rumor, go on the assumption that it has spread to all the floors in the building. Trying to locate the origins would be a monumental waste of time and efforts. Besides, if you are an observant one, you could probably guess who the culprit is. What to do then? This is one of the best advices experts give: think of a way on how to disseminate the truth as fast the gossip is moving. You could rely on third parties (with integrity) to circulate factual info that crushes the moving rumors about you.
There are a number of ways on how to deal with a rumor that concerns you. Whatever it is you choose to do, the ability to remain rational, cool and composed, and assertive if necessary- would be the key components. Majority of these negative rumors however, could be dealt with in 3 words. These are words from an immortal song from an immortal group, and they are “let it be.”
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