Establish a Gossip Free Workplace

I read a fascinating New York Times article by Shayla McKnight who shared a story about her job interview with an online printing company based in Livingston, Montana and the Human Resources Manager who was clear about the no-gossip policy and no office politics rule before she was even hired. While McKnight thought the policy was refreshing it also seemed hard to believe. She was even asked to sign the company’s agreement to values form when she accepted the position. After experiencing a variety of toxic work environments where gossip and back stabbing was the norm, McKnight says that her current workplace is a dream come true. There is a real sense of trust and teamwork and the positive environment is palpably different than any other she has experienced.

So how do you realistically achieve this workplace nirvana and encourage buy-in from all colleagues for a gossip free work zone? A big factor is accountability and making sure everyone is onboard for the new and healthy attitude. A values agreement or contract that is devised by the team can be a great place to start. When colleagues are part of developing a new system or set of expectations they have more vested interest in the success of the program.

In reality, it all boils down to how individuals communicate. McKnight’s company uses a communications assessment to determine a person’s dominant communications style. If someone types as a “red” they appreciate directness while a “blue” enjoys having all the details and time to process. “Yellows” are spontaneous and enjoy personal connection and the “greens” are sensitive and tend to be compassionate and supportive.

Name plates on each person’s desk identify their dominant color and this information is also accessible in the company data base if you are not within visual range of a name plate and want to approach a co-worker in a way that is most appropriate for their style. The system promotes harmony with in-person, phone, and email communication as well as company strategy implementation and goal setting.

There are many different personality assessments that stem from the Jung based Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) that may be appropriate for your work environment. Whether you code people with letters, symbols, or colors – they key is to be aware of how different styles of communication can work together harmoniously on the job. The key is awareness and the willingness to work with and not against the grain of each individual.

As for the gossip free workplace, I am all for it since a healthy work environment is more pleasant and more productive for all.