Whether yours is a large organization or a small business, grapevine chatter can make or break your business. "Sour grapes" with unprofessional, inexperienced attitudes can and will create havoc with rumors and stories. So, how do you deal with these people in your business?
- Keep your staff up to date with what is happening in your organization. The more facts they have, the less likely they will be to gossip and spread rumors.
- Make sure your staff know that you are concerned for their welfare and problems and feelings. Don't alienate them with a patronizing manner or feel that the members on the lower rungs of the ladder do not need to be kept informed, because it is at this level that the most rumors circulate.
- Use newsletters and bulletin boards to keep people up to date. Provide information to Departmental supervisors and ask them to ensure their Department is informed.
- Make yourself readily available to concerned staff members who need to talk or ask questions. Don't be intimidating and frighten them off - this is when they are most likely to go and chat to others. An open door policy encourages communication.
- If you don't have the answer to their problems or questions, be honest about it and find out the answer for them.
- Make sure your staff know their first step is to come and ask you for clarification of a situation or rumor before asking anybody else, who may not have all the facts.
The same applies with businesses with whom you associate. Don't listen to industry "gossip" - get the facts from the people who will know.
The moment you suspect your staff are concerned about stories going around the company grapevine, that is the time to step in and put the story straight. Never be afraid to tell the truth to your employees and always keep them informed... you will be rewarded with their trust and support.
Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com/
http://www.terrilevine.com/
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