005 | 8 Damaging consequences of workplace gossip on individuals (Gossip Series #3)

Gossip Series #3

Welcome to the 3rd part of the Gossip Series. In part 1 we answered the question ‘Is it really gossip?’

In part 2 we had a look at what God says about gossip in the bible.

If you haven’t listened to it yet, I’d highly encourage you to listen to them first.

Gossip can have some really devastating and damaging consequences for the person who is being gossiped about.

In this episode, I discuss 8 devastating consequences workplace gossip can have on the individuals being gossiped about. 

1. 1. Damage to Reputation: Gossip can tarnish an individual's reputation, leading to personal and professional setbacks.
   2. Erosion of Trust: Gossip erodes trust among peers and colleagues, leading to strained relationships.
   3. Negative Emotional Impact: Gossip can cause stress, anxiety, and even depression, negatively affecting an individual's mental health.
   4. Isolation: Those targeted by gossip may feel isolated and excluded, leading to a sense of loneliness.
   5. Impaired Self-Esteem: Individuals subjected to gossip may experience a decline in self-esteem and self-confidence.
   6. Reduced Productivity: Gossip consumes time and energy, reducing an individual's productivity at work or in personal life.
   7. Impact on Mental Well-being: Gossip can lead to mental health issues, contributing to a negative overall well-being.
   8. Has 2 parts:

a. It can affect their relationship with God and

b. it's the same as letting Satan loose into your workplace. Remember James 3:1-12 says: “And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself”

As leaders, we have a duty of care towards the person being gossiped about. We have to protect them from the harm that gossip can cause.

All organisations have risk assessments in place. Why, because they assess the risk of any decision being made, any new equipment being purchased or any new procedure being implemented.

So as to protect the organisation from harm, but more importantly, to protect the people in their organisation. That’s why we have insurance in place as well, right?

So why are we not risk assessing gossip and the consequences it can have?

I have therefore created 2 free resources that you can access when you join the Facebook Community:

1. A risk assessment and management tool, that you can use to assess the risk and consequences of gossip in your workplace.
2. A workplace Culture Survey, which you can give to your team to fill out at your next team meeting, so you can start assessing what everyone’s mindset is regarding the current workplace culture. This will indicate to you either how aware or oblivious people in your team are regarding the issue that you have been experiencing.

Go to www.womenoffaithinleadership.com - join the Facebook Community and download your free resources today.

Next steps:

1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:

• Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
• Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.

2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session, simply email me at support@rikawhelan.com

3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan/

Upcoming From Gossip to Growth Program

Sign up for my upcoming Program, where I will be taking you through a step-by-step guide to get rid of workplace gossip… for good! Navigate here to sign up for more information.

I look forward to chatting with you in the next episode. Make sure you don't miss it!