Gossip is weakness reaching for power.
Don’t undermine the people you depend on. Strong teams aren’t built by spreading venom.
Real leaders feel strong when they strengthen others.
4 Weaknesses of Gossip
- Broken trust.
- Strained relationships.
- Drained vitality.
- Weaker results.
Tearing down is a weak leader’s paradise.
The cure for gossip isn’t silence; it’s learning to praise others to others.
A New Dimension of Praise
#1. Speak well of team members to the boss.
Beginnings and endings are more memorable than middles. Begin a conversation showing honor to others. Do it before solving problems. Or end a conversation with respect for others. Be specific. Talk about…
- Character.
- Values.
- Effort and energy.
- Fit with the team and organization. (Explain why.)
- Attitude.
- Performance and contribution.
- Behaviors. Name specific praiseworthy behaviors. (Most important.)
(Yes, it’s intentional.)
#2. Invite team members to honor coworkers.
Ask a direct report to tell you something good about the people they work with. If they need help, give them the above praise-list to get them started.
Where trust is high, ask permission to send a praise email to their co-worker. Compose and send it while they’re in your office.
#3. Send an honor email.
Hi Mary,
I was just talking with Phil, and you came up. He said you are great at….
Thank you for the good you do.
Best,
(Your name.)
Action Item
Develop the habit of praising people to other people. Gossips speak evil. Leaders speak honor. How? Invite your leaders to brag to you about their team members. Pass on their compliments.
What are some good things you can say about the people around you?
How to Honor Strength and Celebrate Progress
The Superpower of Praising Others Nelson University
