| One of the biggest challenges in offices, manufacturing | | | | - Define gossip so that all employees understand what |
| plants, and retail establishments is employee gossip. It | | | | it is. Chapman believes some employees gossip |
| robs employee productivity, harms leadership, | | | | without realizing they are gossiping. This expands the |
| generates poor communication, and lowers morale. | | | | view many have that gossiping is simply saying |
| According to pollster Equisys, the average productivity | | | | negative things about individuals or situations. |
| loss attributed to gossip is 65 hours annually. | | | | - Listen to gossip in yourself. If you dwell on gossip you |
| Gossip about co-workers or supervisors is very | | | | have heard or frequently think negative or hurtful |
| prominent. Other common topics of gossip are rumors | | | | thoughts about others, Chapman wants you to |
| relating to downsizing, promotions, or buy-outs. | | | | consider if you are contributing to the problem. |
| Sam Chapman, CEO of Chicago's Empower Public | | | | - Be honest. Using authentic, open, and honest |
| Relations, has hit the problem head-on with his new | | | | communication is an effective way to curb gossip. |
| book, "A No-Nonsense Guide to a Healthy, | | | | Assessment tools are available to help you determine |
| High-Performing Work Environment". The insightful | | | | your inner feelings to open communication. One tool, |
| book offers practical ideas designed to turn a | | | | The Johari Window, helps an individual understand if |
| gossiping workplace into productive workplaces where | | | | they communicate openly or if they are more prone to |
| employees have fun, accept coworker's differences, | | | | hiding details about themselves. |
| and are empowered to perform at their best. | | | | - Confess to those about whom you have gossiped. If |
| Chapman perfected the No Gossip Zone concept at | | | | you have gossiped or thought about gossiping about |
| Empower Public Relations and fine-tuned it to the point | | | | an individual, go to them and confess it. This gives you |
| his employees rave about the results. | | | | the chance to build a relationship while reducing the |
| Chapman's four steps to conquering office gossip | | | | workplace gossip. |
| Based on his experiences creating a gossip free office | | | | Chaman's book is now available at most major |
| he shares these four basic tips: | | | | bookstores. |
