Estimated time 10 minutes topic objective explore the

Estimated Time 10 minutes
Topic Objective Explore the effect of truth and facts on gossip and rumors.
Topic Summary
Reinforce the Truth with Facts
Identify how the truth and facts can solve different situations
Materials Required 06-Facts VS. Gossip
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity
Complete the worksheet individually. Discuss answers with the rest of the
class.
Stories to Share Share any relevant personal stories
Delivery Tips Accept volunteers for answer, but encourage everyone to participate.
Review Questions How do facts and truth discredit gossip and rumors?

Deal With it Swiftly
Refusing to pass on a rumor or piece of gossip won’t end its cycle through the office. When something
like this approaches you, speak openly with the person who told it to you and let them know you don’t
intend to share the information with anyone else. Also tell them why you believe the information could
be hurtful if passed along any further. This shows you will not participate in that kind of behavior and
help shed some light for the other person to see how negative their actions are as well. Follow up with
other employees and have the same discussion with them. If needed, have a meeting with the office and
address a group of employees at once. The quicker these problems are approached, the sooner the
grapevine will stop and work can continue.
Estimated Time 5 minutes
Topic Objective Reviews methods of stopping gossip at work
Topic Summary
Dealing With it Swiftly
Discuss different methods used to stop gossip quickly
Materials Required 07-Methods of Dealing with Gossip
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity
Complete the worksheet in groups. Review answers and results with the
rest of the class.
Stories to Share Share any relevant personal stories.
Delivery Tips Choose either group or class discussion, based on time available.
Review Questions Why should gossip be stopped right away?

Do Not Participate
One of the best ways to end gossip or rumors is to simply not share it with others.
Gossip feeds on those willing to send it down the grapevine and has trouble moving
on when it hits a brick wall. Participating in the rumor mill not only perpetuates it,
but you discredit and even belittle yourself. As a person in a management position,
any participation in office gossip can portray you in a negative way and may you
appear to be a non-team player.
Estimated Time 5 minutes
Topic Objective Explore reasons to not gossip at work
Topic Summary
Do Not Participate
Review reasons why you do not participate in office gossip and the
consequences of doing so.
Materials Required 08-Why I Don’t Participate
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity Complete the handout individually. Review as a class.
Stories to Share Share any relevant personal story.