Grappling the Grapevine

Where there’s an organization, there’s a grapevine.  It’s only human nature for people to discuss, speculate, debate – and, yes, gossip.  It can’t be eliminated, but there certainly are things that you can do to tame it. 

Next to making wine, here are some things that you can do to prune it back.

• Elevate listening as a priority
• Encourage diverse thinking and expression
• Establish a variety of channels—both formal and informal—for real-time feedback
• Verbally acknowledge feedback—both good and bad comments
• Circle back with answers to questions
• Activate ideas that lead to a better way
• Express appreciation for tough questions and constructive feedback