Gossip in the Workplace part 2
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
United States
September 4, 2007 6:41pm CST
I had some time in between clients today and went to the office to talk to my supervisor regarding the incident that happened last weekend.
To enlighten those of you who didn't read my first discussion, a coworker shared some personal information regarding me to one of our clients.
My supervisor is so calm, cool and collective. She listened to me as I told her what happened and also calmed me down when I broke into tears. She asked if I knew who the person was that started the gossip. I advised her that the client would only say that it was someone who was not one of her regular workers. It did narrow down the timeframe that this took place. My supervisor said she would look into the matter. She would not mention my name. She also told me that the director of the agency had previously addressed the employees about gossiping with the clients. It isn't a practice that she tolerates.
Thank you to all who responded to the first part of this discussion. I will keep you posted when/if I hear anything more on this. Big huggers to you all.
8 people like this
18 responses
@theprogamer (10532)
• United States
5 Sep 07
Great for you Elusive. That could've turned out backwards if it was a different supervisor. I know supervisors and managers who completely stink at what they do and couldn't resolve an issue properly if their jobs depended on it.
Hopefully this turns out the best it can. Many hugs and support!
-Pro.
2 people like this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
5 Sep 07
I am glad your supervisor was helpful. Gossiping gives people a wrong impression about others and that person may have had ulterior motives, like trying to get your clients for herself. So at least, you do not have to worry about your supervisor taking the side of the gossiper.
2 people like this
@lilaclady (28206)
• Australia
5 Sep 07
I am so glad you are getting some support from your superiors, it is not a good practice at all, so it is best that they nip this in the bud as it certainly is not good for the company or you...Good luck.
@GardenGerty (169568)
• United States
5 Sep 07
I do hope something effective is done and it is not just lip service. At least you feel like you have been listened to. How does this coworker know so much personal stuff? I hope she is not just making it up as she goes along, as that could get even worse. Please do keep us posted, and I will be thinking of you. Hugs today.and tomorrow.
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
5 Sep 07
What really saddens me is that there are few of my coworkers that I have known in my personal life outside of work.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
6 Sep 07
That sounds like quite a professional response from your supervisor.
I don't think you nedc fear this will happen again.
Good Luck.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
5 Sep 07
You've done the right thing sweety...hope things work out ok for you.
Isn't it a shame when you can't trust your peers/co-workers to respect your privacy. I'm sure you feel very uncomfortable because of this person's thoughtlessness. What a nasty person.
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
5 Sep 07
After this incident, I don't know who is truly a friend there. It was very thoughtless of them to offer my private information to another person.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
5 Sep 07
Ahhh, yes, I hadn't thought of that aspect of it. Do you think the supervisor will find out who it is? Will she let you know so you can avoid this person? Here in Australia, our privacy laws are very strict in the medical profession, be it staff, or patients or in your case clients. Your co-worker with the loose tongue would get a severe warning.
There's also the thought of ...'who else has she revealed your private info to'. It certainly puts you in a bit of a predicament.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
5 Sep 07
I also thought about who else she said something to. I shouldn't have to be on my guard everywhere I go.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
5 Sep 07
I am glad that you have talked to your supervisor and she is going to check into it. It is nice to know that she is not going to bring up your name.
1 person likes this
@cutepenguin (6430)
• Canada
5 Sep 07
It sounds like this is being dealt with and hopefully it won't happen again. It's a good thing that you spoke with your supervisor.
1 person likes this
@maribea (2366)
• Italy
5 Sep 07
my dear friend I have been away from mylot for a long period and even now I don't have all the time that I wish I had...so I missed your previous discussion but I am here now to send you all my affection and understanding..this is a very bad and distressful thing and I hate gossip and people who think that this is the right way to behave..I am very reserved and I don't like gossiping around..so I can quite imagine how you are feeling. I hope that your supervisor will clear this situation and of course I hope he or she will apologise with you for what he or she did. a big hug to you
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
5 Sep 07
Take consolation in the fact that you did the right thing, Elusive. That sort of behavior must not be allowed in the workplace. As I said before, this person should at the very least be reprimanded for her misconduct. I hope it will all work out well for you.(:
1 person likes this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
5 Sep 07
Your Supervisor sounds like a very nice person. I would have broke down in tears also. I am sure that everything will work out..It is a shame that some people can't mind their own business.
@sweetgirl_k1 (3972)
• United States
5 Sep 07
I'm glad your supervisor was so helpful about the situation. And I hope she gets this problem resolved for you.
1 person likes this
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
11 Sep 07
Well I hope your supervisor finds out who did this- or at least puts out some memo about gossiping and sharing private information about themselves or their co-workers with clients. How did you make out with the client? Did they push again on the topic? Or let it go- I know you love this job- and it would stink to leave it due to some chitty-chatty co-workers.
@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
13 Sep 07
Butterfly all the best. When you are under attack from gossippers it is never an easy taks but hang in there someone just envies you and is trying to get sympathizers. no matter what this is always the case with them all. Dont let them get to you continue to be yourself and move on with your life.
