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How to Prevent Rumours in the Business Through Communication

Rumours in the business should be managed through proper communication.
As a manager you have the added responsibility to look after the communication in the business, that is to make sure that communication is coordinated, early enough, frequent and clear.  Many large businesses have communications employees to deal with the communication aspects for the business, but it ultimately remains the responsibility of the manager.  It is human nature to discuss issue with you colleagues, especially if there is uncertainty about unforeseen changes in the business or problems with employees.  But it is important to stop or prevent rumours early enough before they get out of hand, damage the reputation of the business or the morale of the employees.  What role should the manager play to put an end or prevent rumours in the business?
  • A weekly blog on the Intranet is increasingly being used by managers worldwide to inform employees about goings-on in the business or to obtain feedback on an important matter.  Similarly this blog can be used to put an end or to prevent rumours.  What better way for employees to hear information straight from the manager?
  • More social gatherings could also discourage rumours if employees get to know each other better.
  • The daily business operations should be conducted in a transparent way including how promotions are done, business systems are working or by making minutes of meetings available to all employees.
  • A rumour should be dealt with immediately.  As a rule, the business should have a couple of communication channels to communicate with employees and those channels should be used immediately when rumours are spread.
  • Team work and team spirit should be encouraged.  Employees should feel they are all working towards a common goal and are not competing with each other.  If employees feel jealous about the achievements of others, that could easily lead to gossip and unfounded rumours.
Rumours should thus be managed both the prevent and to stop them and communication plays a key role in doing so.

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