Being nurtured in the gossiping culture, I used to enjoy gossiping about others. Later, I realized that it doesn’t do good for oneself or others. We have all gossiped at some point, and yet many of us say that we don’t like it. I used to have a very good friend who often used to talk about others in a negative manner. Later, I found out that he also gossiped about me with others. Then I realized that “when people gossip with you about others in their absence, they also gossip about you with others in your absence.” Now, we don’t see each other much.
I happened to attend a leadership training, and one visualization technique really enchanted me. The trainer, whom I know, suggested us to close our eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize the leader, whom we do really appreciate. I did. The leader came into my vivid mind. Though I hadn’t seen or interacted with him much, he was the leader, and I admired him. The positive nature of this leader is that he seldom talks negatively about others, which is basically the absence of others. He is down to Earth and treats everyone with respect. He focuses on the employee’s dedication and work rather than fake appreciation. Moreover, he is not a person’s pleasure. If I want to have the traits of any leader, I want to model many qualities after him.
Though it is really hard to unlearn the things that we have already learned, I am really mindful not to gossip about others. I feel like a gossip destroys trust and lowers morale. A gossiping culture drains energy and creates a toxic environment.
Have you succumbed to the culture of gossiping?
If so, please follow the “no gossip” rule in your life. I’m sure following such a rule will make a difference in your life.
I genuinely do understand when clients say they’re looking for a change, but don’t know what it is yet or how to achieve it. Because I have been there, done that and thankfully was lucky enough to walk away to now be doing a job where I never have to think “Thank God it’s Friday (TGIF).”
