How to prevent or end workplace rumors

How to prevent the "he said, she said" or "guess what so-and-so did" scenarios that plague the workplace is far more art than a science. There are times when earplugs would give relief, but since there's always a fly on the wall to listen in, you'd better resort to artfulness rather than gadgetry to nip rumors in the bud. Your co-workers will be indebted to you. Gossip in the workplace can set everyone down the path to eventual hard feelings, lending pandemony to otherwise blissful teamwork.

You may need to go for shock value - just a little though, in gentle, measured amounts.

Think roses on somebody's desk. What habitual rumor-monger would not be charmed out of biting smalltalk if only for one morning, if greeted with a mysterious bouquet of roses on his/her desk. These could be accompanied with an anonymous note: "Speak only kindness of others and your path will be strewn with roses." OK, so the note has a Shakespearian tone, but it's sure to hit home... if only for a morning. An innocent spray of Baby's Breath in the bouquet is also good idea.

Come coffee break, lay an impromptu Danish or other sweet delight on the culprit's desk - when no one's looking of course. Again, an anonymous note: "Speak sweetly of others and life will greet you with sweetness." or some other prosaic phrase. Watch that culprit's sour tongue hold itself in check for at least a few hours more.

The grand crescendo!... the 5PM (or thereabouts) witching hour: If your co-worker's tongue is still inclined to tartness when it's time to clock out, invite everyone over for an after-work tete-a-tete with the grande theme of "random acts of kindness" and "What did you do today to make someone else feel special?" By now, your cover may have been blown, but your message has certainly taken root... even in a heart of stone! Co-workers may decline the invitation, having previous engagements or just being plain spooked by the premise, but the guilty will certainly pause for reflection... if only for an evening.

Next morning, if you note a sour puss on the gossip-monger's face, it may be time for a pow wow. Let your errant co-worker know pointe blank, how you feel about reputation bashing, and the damage it does to a team. Be a good listener, because your offending co-worker may be quite vulnerable and spilling beans of fury in near-tearful indignancy. Listen on, and digest the gist of the culprit's grievances... likely it will be about his

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