Positive Gossip!

Gossip has a reputation for being negative and often associated with rumors, backstabbing, and spreading malicious information. However, not all gossip is harmful. Positive gossip, when focused on sharing the good qualities, achievements, and admirable traits of colleagues, peers or teams can be a powerful tool for building lasting business’s and fostering a positive workplace culture. In this article, I explore the concept of positive gossip and how it contributes to team cohesion, morale, and overall success.?

Positive gossip promotes a culture of appreciation within a workplace. When team members openly discuss and celebrate each other's accomplishments, it sends a clear message that hard work and achievements are recognized and valued. This, in turn, drives employees to continue excelling in their roles and encourages a sense of pride in their work. My early days at Nutanix were filled with this new learning as I saw leaders speak highly of each other and were so vocal in their praise for all things good. It's then, that I came to understand that sharing & spreading positivity doesn’t need to wait for a formal check-in.? It can happen casually over lunch or even with a pat on the back. From that day to today I never miss an opportunity to call out something good in front or even behind the back of that person.??

One of the most critical & lasting benefits of positive gossip is its ability to strengthen team cohesion. When team members talk positively about each other, they build trust and camaraderie. Knowing that your colleagues are speaking well of you behind your back can create a sense of belonging and unity within the team. This increased cohesion can lead to better collaboration and improved overall team performance. This has a direct impact on morale. When employees hear uplifting stories about their colleagues' achievements or admirable qualities, it boosts their own morale and creates a more positive atmosphere in the workplace. It is almost like uplifting and praising your baby daily, literally cheering them on.??

Now this isn’t as simple either, we need to be consistent and make it a habit to carry ourselves in a certain way. That said in the process of driving positivity in the workspace we cannot end up unnecessarily praising average and substandard work. Those colleagues and teams which need feedback and correction still need to be given exactly that, but more often in a private setting.?

I have come to realize that good gossip can also be a catalyst for personal growth and development. When individuals hear about the strengths and achievements of their peers, they may be inspired to learn from their successes or seek out opportunities for self-improvement. This continuous cycle of positive feedback can lead to a workplace where an overwhelming majority will strive for excellence and look at the bigger picture. What may seem like a small, insignificant act, but its impact on team dynamics and workplace culture can be profound. In a world where negativity often prevails, positive gossip stands as a beacon of positivity, promoting appreciation, trust, and unity among coworkers.??

So, let's spread the word – the good word!?

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