When the boss is a gossip, avoid being his confidant. (Photos.com)
Q: My boss gossips to me about my colleagues, who also report
to him. He denigrates their work and generally belittles them. I
feel like a privileged insider when he does this, but I realize he is most likely
saying similar things to them about me, so I don't trust him. What can I
do?
A:
It can be exhilarating to be the boss’s trusted gossip pal. In an
office, where information is currency, hearing your manager’s poor
opinion of your co-workers can make you feel great, in
a schadenfreude sort of way. For a moment, you might feel like you're
doing a better job than they are. But you’re right: if he talks this way
about them to you, it’s a safe bet you’re also on his list.
