BAD MOUTHING – A GROWING ADDICTION AND AILMENT
PICTURE CREDIT- L SEEF

BAD MOUTHING – A GROWING ADDICTION AND AILMENT

We have all heard the saying “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”. Never is this theory more fitting than in the present-day context.

We have all, at some time or the other, witnessed individuals working for decades in the same organizations, and yet bad-mouthing the very same organizations whenever and wherever they get the opportunity. ?

Just go as an observer to gatherings, to professional functions and get-togethers, and watch keenly. The moment someone we have met is out of earshot, more often than not, we hear that person being bad-mouthed. This is now beginning to spread even to families and close circle of friends. Its even considered as a social quality to possess.

This behavior needs to be seriously introspected by each of us. It is highly unprofessional and potentially disastrous. Such behavior reflects poorly not only on our own integrity and credibility, but also undermines the reputation and morale of the institutions we represent and the cultural background we wish to uphold.


Of late, one gets to see more and more instances of extremely abusive content and posts being put up on social media platforms, including Linkedin. Regardless of how justified we are, or feel, in making such bold statements, targeting specific individuals, organizations or even family members, is just not done.

In one post on a social media platform, the person explained that after several years on the job, he quit, and he was done with the toxic environment he endured since day one. This person further went on to say that the management was terrible, the place was awful, and the level of toxicity was making him physically ill. One wonders why this individual took so long to come to this realization.

Even though this may be an unfortunate situation for quite a few, this kind of bad-mouthing is just not done, and over time, it definitely does grow into a serious ailment and habit.

In another post, a very senior person was even more specific towards both the bosses and the organization, using rather uncouth language. As a professional, to share such information on any social media platform is a terrible move, and nothing good comes from such behavior.??In fact, it only reflects on our own upbringing.

Of late, even political posts and videos have been growing on Linkedin. Provocative posts, photos, videos, racist or discriminatory remarks, misleading about qualifications - all point towards a lack of understanding of using social platforms correctly and responsibly. Its important to note that LinkedIn in particular is not Facebook or any other form of social media, nor is it our own personal podium to share certain negative experiences. Linkedin particularly is a platform where members manage their professional identity, build their brand. ?It is an area to engage with our professional network and to access knowledge, insights and opportunities. It should be looked at as something that is uplifting and advantageous to our personal and professional growth.

It’s okay to quit our job, realistically, if the organization is not the right fit. It is equally normal for organizations to re-structure and downsize, sometimes for the right reasons and sometimes erroneously.

Maybe for some, the situation, or circumstances, were not ideal. Yet, the best way is to identify specific issues or individuals where clarification may be required or sought. It is another matter that the clarification may or may not come, depending upon the level of ethics and maturity of individuals.

The two Cardinal Rules are –

a) Work is just a small fraction of our lives. Not the other way round.

b) Good Relationships supercede all else.

Therefore, it is far more productive to address concerns constructively, seek solutions through open dialogue, and work towards fostering positive and supportive life-long relationships. This can only happen through reciprocity, if all sides are willing to lives by the same yardstick. And this philosophy applies to all aspects of one’s living, not just work.

Speaking ill about the entire organization or ownership, or washing one’s dirty linen in public is just not done.

In the first 35 years of existence, yours truly had also been affected by the same ailment. Yet, like going regularly to the gym, a conscious, constant working is required to stay away from this ailment.

The best route is to always take the moral high road, accept reality and gracefully move on.


What happens to us is an event.

How we process, perceive and interpret that event becomes our experience.

Being pushed out of the train at the railway station in South Africa was an event for Gandhiji. He could have gone into depression. However, the way he chose to process, and interpret that event became a turning point, not only for him but also for a great nation.

Thembelihle Ndimande

HR Manager| HRBP | People & Culture| Shine your light in a way others can see it ??

1 个月

What an interesting article!!

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