Now that you can recognize good, bad, and ugly gossip,
listen to the gossip around you.
Listen For Patterns
Keeping track of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of someone’s gossip could reveal patterns. These patterns would be especially useful if you want to network with someone who uses bad or ugly gossip.
If their negative gossip has patterns you could avoid, you might gain some benefits. One benefit could be making a beneficial connection through them.
Reality means many workplaces include people you would rather avoid. However, take every opportunity to use good gossip strategies with the bad or ugly gossiper so they know you will not participate in bad or ugly gossip. If they use bad or ugly gossip with you, use an appropriate bad or ugly gossip strategy with them.
Listen For Focus
Focal points can include:
Positive talk about others (for networking connections)
Positive talk about themselves (for career catalysts)
What you hear could give you an opening to use when approaching someone who was the subject of positive words.
Listen For Opportunities
Listen for situations you’ve experienced. If you can offer a perspective that fits what you’re hearing, politely say you’ve been in a similar situation and ask if you could share your perspective.
Put Yourself In The Best Location For Gossip Ears Networking
One situation that could offer frequent opportunities for gossip ears networking is around the water cooler. Casual conversation around the water cooler is good for corporate community and productivity. It is also an excellent time to use your gossip ears while also using good gossip.
Two benefits of water cooler talks are that they are unplanned and participation is random.
“The Surprising Benefits of Water Cooler Talks”
Mike Hunger, ORG President
Overland Resource Group
November 15, 2018
Remote Gossip Ears Networking
In a world of remote work, you could set up remote water coolers.
“How to set up a virtual water cooler: A step-by-step guide”
Jennifer Bul
DialPad
No Date
“The Rise of the ‘virtual water cooler'”
Paul Levy
BBC
September 25, 2020
© Paula M. Kramer, 2021 to the present
All rights reserved.