Only connect
Don't just talk about your team member's work - tap into what they know, and share your own news.
One-to-one meetings can be a useful source of news and information. Listen in, and share news you want to be spread too:
- Shoot the breeze about what’s going on in the organisation.
- Share news that’s safe to share: things you’ve learned that are interesting and worth knowing about, or news about people and activities.
- Don’t be malicious: set a good example. Never gossip about other members of your team.
- Be open to listening to feedback from a team member about other people on the team, just be careful what you say back. When there’s frustration with a team member, it’s useful for you to know - and useful for the person telling you to know that you’re listening and doing something about it.
- If you hear rumours or gossip that you know is just flat wrong, squash them.
When to take this action
This action is from 'Keep your ear to the ground' and should be used when you're out of the loop, when you need to build trust
Need something else?
team-meeting
Harness the rumour mill
Help your team stay connected - and keep your agenda moving - by sharing rumours and gossip.
with-your-peers
Be inquisitive
Share your opinions to form connections, understand motivations, and cement relationships.
with-your-boss
Get the lowdown
Your boss has access to a different world of news and rumour. They might not share, but there's only one way to find out!.