Manager Step 3: Stop Rumors
Speaking of rumors, ethical, antibullying managers never start, pass along, or embellish them. The preferred action is to stop them when you hear them. Tell the last sender that you never want to hear those messages again. If the rumor involves your work team, make the slander a discussion topic at a team meeting. Make it a “teachable moment.” Emphasize how hurtful rumors can be, and clear the air by declaring what you know to be true. Clarify your expectation about rumors and your disdain for people who initiate or sustain them. Equate initiating rumors with insults, degradation, and unacceptable bullying.
Rumors are not innocent communication channels. Gary was expert witness in a lawsuit involving the Los Angeles Police Department in which a 20-year veteran officer had her career stunted by a rumor that had dogged her at every promotion evaluation since leaving the police academy as a rookie. Rumors can cause serious damage.
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