Calculating the Destructive Force of the Office Gossip

We all know the office gossip. The "mean girl" (or boy) who sets out to make it their mission to spread hot information among the cubicle masses. While this isn't illegal, or always an issue, it can certainly suck for those of us who do not wish to engage. The tricky part for managers, human resource professionals, and annoyed co-workers is being able to tell whether the gossip is destructive (Mean Girls) or harmless (the View). It is really coffee talk? Or is this person a destructive, super-bitch? This is where I have actual education and experience, so perhaps you can reserve a little more credibility for my thoughts (over the typical grain-of-salt variety).

The first step in assessing your chatty Cathy is to look at how the person gossips. Here's a quick test for the type of gossip your office fosters.

Harmless Gossip = Discussions of celebrity nonsense and who's getting married next month. Done publicly, perhaps in the break room or at the copier.

Destructive Gossip = Discussion of negative and/or personal information about co-workers or related individuals. Done more privately in a "hushed-tone" or behind closed doors.

Do you have a "harmless gossip"? Your best bet is to put up with the constant chatter of who Kim Kardashian is currently screwingseeing, as long as these people are still productive. Look, it's who they ARE. Some people are really fascinated with other people's lives. Think of it like that lady who obsesses over her cats. You may not care whether Mittens has had bowel issues lately, but that's what you put up with to keep the peace. Smile politely and excuse yourself. Heck, perhaps watch five minutes of TMZ and make this person's day.

Do you have a "destructive gossip"? You will know because they often like to awkwardly spread which co-worker had a fling with a board member or even make up things to suit their ulterior motives. Honestly, avoiding these people often makes you the target, but since these spineless bottom-feeders could turn on you in a heartbeat, avoid them. Say your polite "hello" and move on. These people can ruin targeted employees reputations.

In my experience, destructive gossips are either really pathetic people who must create conflict to have any sense of power or people who make themselves look better by tearing down others (or both). Most organizations don't take the complaints on these people seriously. Keep out of it if you can and never trust these people.

I have seen a destructive gossip take down more than a few smart professionals. They are worthless leeches in any company, but the risk of firing them is often perceived as too great for management.