Gossip need not make you guilty
THIS is a common scene in every office, people gather in groups during lunch and coffee breaks and are seen in conversation. Or colleagues may gather at each other's cubicles and start talking. The staircase and the corridors are also places where the buzz of conversation is on. In other terms this is known as gossiping. It is also called the office grapevine. And of course managers view it as a waste of time.
Suppose one puts a microphone in these places where employees meet, what are the snatches of conversation one would hear? Some conversations would be pure gossip- talking about other employees, families, friends or personal issues. Some exchanges could be related to work like which manager or colleague is more trustworthy, friendly or efficient. They might discuss work situations and problems and ways to solve them. Issues like dealing with the manager, co-workers to contractors and clients are discussed. People share information about their job, projects and problems and how to get things done in the office. Such workplace conversations or `gossip' as it is referred to builds friendship among employees and helps them develop a bond of easy familiarity. While building camaraderie, it is also a way to build trust among co-workers. A natural progression of this is the sharing of knowledge.
When people start talking, friendship and trust develops, there is an easy flow of words and sharing of ideas. The result is brainstorming and discussion of ideas and looking for solutions. There is also the possibility of looking at an issue from a different perspective because when people from different departments meet up, a fresh perspective can be given to a problem not related to their work.
This collective knowledge of individuals that is shared during such conversations becomes the creative ground for developing innovative ideas, sharing knowledge and experiences. This also proves that the collective knowledge of individuals in an organisation can be more effectively shared through discussions and exchange of stories that happens in the corridors rather than reading reams of company manuals or doing an online course or attending a training session.
Though these conventional methods can be ways to learn, a more effective way is to get people together and encourage them to talk. Many forward thinking organisations have realised this and are encouraging their staff to meet regularly for informal chat sessions over coffee where issues are discussed and brainstorming takes place.
To further encourage this trend, some employers have designated special areas (along with a coffee machine of course) where there are whiteboards and markers for employees to write out their ideas and discuss them. Some companies have even designed larger stairwells and corridor spaces for employees to meet and talk. More common areas for workers to meet are designed in office buildings. And managers are advised to give more time for informal conversations during meetings, presentations and conferences so that everyone can get talking.
If all this sounds too good to be true, the fact is a change is happening. Progressive companies are encouraging employees to talk more with each other. Earlier managers would say, "Stop talking and wasting time and get back to work"! Today they would rather say start talking and get work done. So the next time you are indulging in a little gossip at work, there is absolutely no need to feel guilty about it and maybe you could come up with a great sales strategy.
HEMA G
faqs@cnkonline.com
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