Be the Example

Source: Unknown

One of the most phenomenal women I have ever known was a coworker of mine named Mona. I worked closely with Mona for nine years. In nine years, I never heard her gossip once. Not one single time. Whenever you left the room, you knew that the only reason Mona would speak your name would be if it was to say something kind or complimentary. Mona’s beautiful spirit and exemplary character had a profound effect upon the climate and culture of our entire school because everyone loved and admired this woman so very much. Her goodness made us all want to be better; everyone wanted to be like Mona. She radiated joy and kindness, and the ripple effect was immeasurable.

You must exude that which you hope to create. If you want to work in a place where coworkers positively seek solutions for challenges instead of complain about them, you must model that. If you want to be in an environment where others uplift, support, and care for others, you must demonstrate those behaviors.

If you want to be in an environment where others uplift, support, and care for others, you must demonstrate those behaviors.

If you are a leader, it is pretty much guaranteed that at some point, your employees will talk about you or a decision that you did or did not make. In some cases, you just have to let it go and know that it comes with the territory; however, if one toxic employee is continually gossiping and spreading negativity, your best course of action is to confront that person. Here’s what that might sound like:

I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I wanted to talk with you because I get the impression that you are not happy with the way I have handled some things, and I want to give you the opportunity to share your thoughts.

Can we talk? My intuition is telling me that perhaps you have negative feelings toward me, and I would love to have the opportunity to clear things up.

In some cases, this will lead to a wonderful dialogue if you follow the six principles. In other cases, the employee will deny everything and act like you are his or her favorite person on the planet, but at least you have let the employee know that you are aware of what they are doing. This usually dissuades the person from gossiping so much in the future.

Let your words be used to solve problems, offer suggestions, and help others. Use your speech to edify, uplift, and support. Be a driving force that inspires kindness.

(From Talk to Me: Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things Done

by Kim Bearden, published July 16th 2018 by Dave Burgess Consulting, Incorporated. Used by permission)