Rumour Has It....

Dear Reader,

As you climb the ladder, you’ll inevitably find yourself the subject of whispers—whether they’re deserved or not. But here’s the truth: those rumours don’t define who you are. There are always moments when people talk. Whether it's in meetings, during coffee breaks, or via emails, rumours and judgments often come out of nowhere, without much substance.

A hard lesson in reputation management

I’ve learned, that everything you say or do can come back to you like a boomerang—often in unexpected and unpleasant ways. Over the years, I’ve probably listened to and even repeated a rumour or two. But as a headhunter, I quickly realised the consequences of engaging in gossip, both personally and professionally. Karma has a way of catching up, and in business, your words can travel faster than you might think.

It's amusing how creative people can be with rumours; some never age and often make me smile ??. There always seems to be someone in your life who doesn’t truly know you, yet somehow feels a sense of animosity towards you for reasons that are completely perplexing and difficult to grasp and seems to enjoy spreading rumours about your ethics, motivation, personality or way of working.

The impact of false narratives in the market

Unfortunately, one of the darker sides of the industry is the spread of false narratives when employees leave a company. I’ve come across cases where managers, upset by an employee’s departure, have shared untrue stories about them, tarnishing their reputation in the market. Former employees who are unhappy may spread damaging rumours about their previous boss or the company in order to harm their reputation. Lies can have serious consequences, hindering both individuals and companies from progressing.

In dealing with professional rumours, I remember of a powerful scene from the film Doubt (from John Patrick Shanley 2008). In this Scene, a priest uses a striking metaphor for gossip: scattering feathers into the wind. Once they’re out, they’re impossible to retrieve, much like rumours. In the professional world, this image perfectly illustrates how whispers spread uncontrollably, leaving lasting effects long after the truth is known.

Integrity involves not only treating people well while they work for you but also how you speak of them afterward. For departing employees, don’t waste time; focus on moving forward!

What I learned along the way

Here are a few insights I’ve gathered from dealing with rumours:

1. Stay grounded in facts

When rumours arise, the best thing you can do is stay grounded in reality. Let the facts speak for themselves. In business, your record of achievements is your strongest defense. Keep clear documentation of your work and results. It’s not about engaging in battles with those spreading rumours—it’s about letting your integrity and professionalism shine through.

2. Change is part of the Game

In any evolving business landscape, change is a constant. Whether it's a shift in leadership, strategy, or market conditions, reassessments of your work are bound to happen. Clear communication and proactive collaboration can dispel misunderstandings before they take root. At times, you’ll encounter individuals who operate with a different agenda, but don't lose sight of your objectives. As leaders, it’s critical to recognise that while you can’t always win everyone over, your focus must remain on delivering results and moving the business forward.

3. Rumours fade quickly, but your integrity endures.

Rumours and speculation are inevitable in professional life, especially as your influence grows. However, what stands the test of time is not the fleeting chatter but the consistency of your performance and the strength of your character. Maintain focus on your long-term objectives and let your work do the talking. True leadership is about staying above the noise and allowing your actions and results to speak louder than the opinions circulating around you.

4. Protect your energy.

Engaging in rumours or trying to refute every whisper can drain your time and mental energy. It’s not worth diverting your focus from what truly matters: your clients, your team, and your strategic vision. Channel your efforts where they have the most impact—creating value, driving results, and reinforcing your leadership. By protecting your energy and focusing on outcomes, you reinforce your professional credibility without being pulled into distractions

5. Lead with integrity

No matter what is said, always stay true to your principles. Integrity is what will carry you through challenging times. It’s tempting to engage in the rumour mill, but it’s never worth the damage it can do to your reputation in the long run.

When you do something, know that you will have against you: those who would like to do the same, those who would like to do the opposite, and the vast majority of those who don't want to do anything at all. Confucius

So, to those of you facing moments where people are whispering behind your back, remember this: don’t take it personally. What defines you is your work, your commitment, and how you respond to adversity. Rumours may fade, but your integrity and resilience will endure.

Take care

NB

What's Next?

If you need some information or coaching: [email protected]

Hire Me I'm Fabulous Paudex : 6.11.2024

Hire Me I'm Fabulous Genève: 12.11.2024

If my journey has inspired you, I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions or just click the "Subscribe" button for more insights and stories like this one.