151 Quick Ideas to Deal With Difficult People

100Discourage Eavesdropping

In the realm of office gossips, eavesdroppers are some of the most determined and most crafty. They gather information through stealthy means to put their coworkers in the worst light. They will use it to get a leg up on a rival for a promotion. They plant the seeds of doubt about the person’s abilities. As British philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell said, “No one gossips about other people’s secret virtues.”

The eavesdroppers’ modus operandi is to position themselves near a conversation and tune in as if they are on a reconnaissance mission. In a way they are. Be careful not to help the eavesdropper along. Beware of other people around you when you are discussing sensitive matters with another colleague. ...