by Luningning Sugbu

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

Engaging in gossip is one of the most sought after pastime specially in the workplace where routine seems to cast a cloud of boredom in our stressful work hours. For those people who know the downside of engaging in this tempting activity, working with a gossip need certain steps to retain one's distance without appearing self righteous and judgmental.

 In my experience with people who love gossip, insecurity due to low self esteem is directly proportional to how notorious a gossip is. Some of them have boundless insecurities that your mere sharing of trivial things such as your hobbies, cooking a favorite recipe or whether you work out in the gym can ruffle their feathers and set them off. Now, you landed number one on their gossip list. It baffled me for years why that is so, but insecurity does peculiar things to certain people. Additionally they are averse about those who project an air of confidence and self esteem because they feel they are lacking in beauty. intelligence and even common skills such as cooking, baking, or gardening.

WHO'S WHO

When working in a new company, it helps to be observant with everything around you specially on how your co-workers behave towards the boss and with each other. Try to find out who is the brown nose, who is the gifted employee, who is the people person, who is the hard worker and take note on how they relate and perceive each other. Spotting who is or are the gossips will help you how to navigate this new environment with confidence and ease.

After identifying the person, find out if he or she is somehow close to the boss' inner circle. He or she share a certain bond with the boss like coming from the same town or went to school in the same college Our manager is the kindest, most patient person we've ever worked with and we couldn't be happier to go to work. Unfortunately she hired a town mate who made her and other co-workers' personal lives into fodder for gossip. He even tried to stage a coup de etat with the company owner by telling him that our manager is not fit for her position, meaning he would have been the best candidate for the job!

BE SELFISH WITH YOUR PERSONAL LIFE

A gossip's gold mine is other people's personal lives and the more chaotic it is the juicier material it becomes. Though we may not be able to hide everything about ourselves, being careful with what we reveal can protect us in the long run. When a gossip is wanting in a certain area of his or her life, it may be best not to reveal or

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