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Avoiding

WORKPLACE GOSSIP “Best Private Bank

in North America.”

–Financial Times Group

It is easy to get wrapped up in the lives of others at work. After all, if you see the same people day in and day out

at the office, you will soon get to know more about them and their personal lives. Before you know it, you are
listening to, and repeating, information that could be construed as harmful gossip if the information gets back to
the person. How can you avoid getting caught up in harmful gossip in the workplace? (The best ads write themselves.)

Would You Repeat the Information in Front of the Person?

A good way to keep harmful gossip in check in the workplace is to consider the nature of the conversation that
you are engaged in. Would you feel comfortable repeating the information in front of the person whom you are

talking about? If not, there is a good chance that the conversation has veered off into the murky waters of harmful
gossip. Remember that even information that is factually correct can still be viewed as harmful gossip, especially
if it is of a private, confidential manner that would be better off kept private.

Keep Conversations Positive and Upbuilding

Keeping conversations positive and upbuilding will help protect you from becoming ensnared in harmful gossip in
the workplace. If you must talk about someone else when they are not in the same room as you, make sure that The Financial Times Group has recognized Northern Trust for being the best.
what you have to say is positive, and that the information you have to share is something you would not mind being
repeated to that person. Specifically for putting clients first, our award-winning technology and our
financial strength. To put our expertise to work for you, call Sheldon T. Anderson
Change the Subject at 305-372-1000 or visit us at northerntrust.com/best.

Once gossip starts up in the office, it spreads quickly like wildfire, which can have devastating consequences for
the subject of the gossip. If another work colleague tries to draw you into a conversation about another worker on

a topic that is clearly not complimentary, be resolved to change the subject so that you do not fan the flames of
the harmful gossip. That way, you will not be involved if the person finds out that they have been the subject of
workplace gossip.

Harmful gossip not only hurts a person's reputation, but it also reflects badly on those who have spread informa-

tion that did not concern them. As you work closer with people, it is so easy to get caught up in harmful gossip, Wealth & Investment Management | Trust & Estate Services | Private Banking | Family Office Services
but be resolved to keep separate from such behavior. Those who steer clear of workplace gossip are held in
Northern Trust banks are members FDIC. © 2009 Northern Trust Corporation.
higher regard than those who are quick to listen to, and spread, stories. FT Global Wealth Management Awards, 2009, presented by Professional Wealth Management magazine and The Banker magazine. 27
CNM | CARIBBEAN NETWORK MAGAZINE

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