GA 480 | Learning From Our Mistakes with Mark Graban

The same thing happens in the education system with the blame game. The problem is that the education system is very competitive, which leads way to some jealous/vindictive staff, not all staff are like that. You can do everything right and wind up making a mistake that can cost you dearly. That mistake is caused by gossip, fear, faulty suggestions from other staff, vague instructions from people in charge, decisions needing to be made on the spot with missing leaders, ect. The best thing for leaders to do is remove the gossip completely and not take part in it, which includes not staying around to listen to group gossip. Instead, the employee spreading the gossip needs to be called into the office when it happens, even in a group. Find out why they are saying what they are saying and let them know it is inappropriate/unprofessional. Give the person being gossiped about a chance to tell their side of the story without fear of repercussions; otherwise, secretively will allow the gossip to mushroom. I’ve had a leader tell me that the reason he listens to the gossip is to know what is going on. This shocked me, because this is allowing negativity to continue and inadvertently creating a hostile environment . If you report it to H.R. You are the one to get into trouble, because a lot of gossip and slander is all hearsay. Thank you for the pod cast.