Rumour Control
In the absence of real information, people will fill the vacuum with rumour.
Dear <<First Name>>,
Reading Time: 1 mins 55 secs
In the absence of real information, people will fill the vacuum with rumour.
When we find out what is going on through rumour and gossip, we start to lose confidence. We feel as if nobody is in control. Because rumour loves exaggeration and gossip loves alarm, the information we get from un-informed sources is always scarier than reality.
And what about idle gossip, chit-chat, and tittle-tattle? People love to spread rumours - with or without foundation. Sure, they'll call it speculation. But sometimes it can be damaging... even ruinous.
So, what can you do to control the rumours and hearsay?
Rumours about You?
Rule 1: Make sure they have no substance
Integrity is your best defence against gossip. Be the very best you can be, to ensure any adverse rumours are completely without substance.
Don't be the Source
Do you have a secret? Rule 2: Don't share it
Do you know a secret? Then other people do too. But that's no reason for you to be the one who lets it slip.
Don't Leave a Vacuum
Rumours fill vacuums. So, communicate prolifically, so there is no space to fill. Most organisations under-communicate. Not because there aren't the mechanisms: there are. Meetings, posters, slack, email... Rather, it doesn't seem important enough. Until, that is, it's too late!
'The Devil Makes Work...
for idle hands'. But gossip and rumour are also often a sign of people having too much time. Maybe you need to set tougher challenges to fully engage your people.
Rumours are also an Indicator of Discontent
When people feel they have something to complain about, some people complain, formally. But others just stir-up trouble. Find out who they are and tackle them head-on. Ask them about their concerns. Listen carefully and respond openly.
People Don't Need All the Answers
We're grown-ups. We know you won't always have all the answers. So don't feel you need to wait until you do to share the bad news. And who knows? We may be able to help.
Empty the Hopper
Meet people and ask them what they want to know. Listen. And then answer their questions. Keep asking them 'what else?' until they have no more questions. be honest. And, if you don't know, say so. Then undertake to find an answer.
If there is Substance to the Rumour...
Then denying it or ignoring it will both be pointless. Get in there and turn the whispering into open dialogue.
If there is No Substance to the Rumour...
Then a firm denial is what you need. But people will still want to know what the truth is. So give them the real story. Some will say that it's best to ignore petty gossip that has no substance and little impact. Just addressing it raises its impact and lends credence. This is a fine judgment and I don't have a definitive answer. But whatever you choose to do, keep your eyes and ears open.
Open Door
Finally, make yourself available and invite people to come to you with questions and concerns.
Be the source of truth.
PS: If you will be at the APM Conference in London on Thursday, drop me a line and we'll meet for a coffee. I'm not speaking so I'll have plenty of time.
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