Gossip seems to be the major form of communication at work.

People can be two-faced with a smile.

The results are almost always hurtful and often damaging to your career.

This is simple advice that is not that simple to do.

Gossip presumes that there will be a gossiper and a listener.  If no one listens, the gossip falls idle.

If we don’t like people to gossip about us, don’t listen to gossip about anyone else (I told you this is not simple to do).

We can also put back biting in its proper place by:

• Asking if it’s true.
• Is what is being said going to make for goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it benefit all concerned?
• If backbiting amounts to sexual harassment or discrimination, tell the offender to stop and report it to your superior or HR if it continues.  Sadly, harassment and discrimination still runs rampant even in 2015.

Put backbiters in their place by being proactive.

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