Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 6.8
GOSSIP IS NOT EVIDENCE
Supervisors hear things.
Employees may say:
“Everybody knows…”
“I heard that…”
“People are saying…”
“She always…”
“He probably…”
Gossip can affect how supervisors see employees.
But gossip is not reliable evidence by itself.
This does not mean every informal report should be ignored.
Some serious concerns first appear through informal conversation.
The supervisor should distinguish:
GOSSIP
from
A REPORT THAT REQUIRES FOLLOW-UP.
Poor
“Everyone says you steal from the business, so I know it is true.”
Better
“A concern has been raised that needs to be reviewed. I am going to look at the available facts before reaching a conclusion.”
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
An employee says:
“I heard Chioma is looking for another job.”
That may be gossip and may have no workplace relevance.
EXAMPLE 2
An employee reports:
“I saw someone changing customer payment details after the invoice was approved.”
That is a specific concern that may require investigation.
EXAMPLE 3
Coworkers say:
“Daniel is lazy.”
BETTER RESPONSE
EXAMPLE 4
An employee reports repeated inappropriate comments made directly to them.
BETTER RESPONSE
Remember
Specific concerns may require action.
Rumors do not become facts because several people repeat them.
Workplace action
When you hear workplace information, ask: Is this a rumor, an observation, a complaint or evidence?
Quick Check
Which statement is most accurate?