9.2. TAMING THE GRAPEVINE

Since corporate culture is embodied in the ongoing narratives that are told and retold in any organization, one way of altering the situation is to inject a new story into the flow in an effort to change its nature and direction. One fights rumor or gossip not with arguments or decisions but with counter-stories.

9.2.1. Use Satire to Kill a Rumor

To scotch a rumor or a piece of alleged bad news, you may be able to use gentle satire to mock what's being said or its author, or even yourself. Success on any of these fronts can undermine the impact.

Humor can draw attention to the absurdity of rumors and invite the reader to conclude: This is unreasonable! It couldn't be true! How ridiculous for me to have taken this seriously! ...

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