Coaching Corner: Did you hear???
By Marilou Butcher Roth, Master Coach
How seductive are those words when we hear them? Oh yes, admit it! When someone comes up to you with that question, it is not easy to ignore. We want to know the scoop...what’s happening. I’m not saying this is abnormal, I am saying this is most probably gossip, which is my topic today.
In thinking about gossip, think in these terms -- it might be something unfavorable being said about someone else -- ask yourself, could this statement be said directly to the person in question? These are clues into the wild world of gossip.
According to the book “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership,” there are several reasons why gossip occurs:
- Make others wrong
- Gain validation
- Control others
- Get attention
- Divert attention
- Avoid conflict
- Avoid feeling and/or expressing authentic emotions
- Create (pseudo) alliances
And even compounding the gossip, there are times when assumptions are being made, and those assumptions become the basis of the gossip.
Please take some time this week to explore where you are around this topic. You may find yourself in the position of delivering the gossip, or on the receiving end. If it’s the latter position, you have a choice as to how you want to handle this. When gossip is tossed in your direction, you have the option to discontinue the conversation. You may feel uncomfortable, and there is nothing wrong with voicing that discomfort. And, if you find yourself ripe with juicy gossip of some sort, check yourself in before you take that tidbit elsewhere.
It’s up to you!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
