I’m not one to gossip, but I do traffic information from time-to-time. Though according to my manager, I tend to lend a sympathetic ear. Don’t we all?!?

Guest blogger at jobacle.com, Laura Kleinman says, “Gossip is an inevitable and unavoidable pettiness in the workplace.” Well, I have to disagree on the pettiness part, especially if it’s related to gossip about issues with your company and the behavior of your leaders. I’ve tailored this post to that sort of gossip.

Sharing information, especially about adverse workplace experiences, allows us to feel a sense of release, while also garnering validation from our peers about how we feel. Gossip also allows us to build a sense of connectedness with many of our co-workers (while consequently upsetting others too, it’s part of the game).

Corporations tend to blow more sunshine than promote dialogue and transparency about workplace issues, so obviously employees are going to be more inclined to gossip when they feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Too often the open-door-policy really isn’t open-door if you darken that door with negative feedback. It’s easy to get labeled a disturber of the peace.

So, I’m not going to tell you that it’s bad and don’t do it, but rather, tell you how to do it, and do it well. Gossip is just like most press releases; don’t let the FACTS get in the way of a good story.

Here are some rules, or as I like to call them, guiding principles on how to effectively gossip in your organization.

Rule # 1

Juicy gossip is a perishable good. You have to strike while the iron is HOT and kick em’ while they’re down! The story is only good for so long.

Rule # 2

Know your inner circle. Some people can’t be trusted.

Rule #3

Attune your ears to the sound of footsteps, especially the one’s of your manager. Know when to get quiet.

Rule #3

Meeting rooms are far safer than cubicles when sharing information. Never divulge too much in an email.

Rule# 4

Always ride the fence with those who can’t be trusted, and most definitely with your boss. Makes you appear unbiased on the topic and the least likely to be spreading the word.

Rule #5

After you’ve single-handedly (and secretly) brought your department to its knees and lowered morale by seeding relatively accurate conjecture about the unfair practices of your company, schedule some time with your boss to tell him that you’ve noticed a change in the productivity of your peers. Tell him how he can help win the team back over to drive high performance. (Might as well try to get a raise out of this deal!)

Lastly, I do discourage gossip about the personal problems of individuals. We all have weak moments in our lives, and you never know how you may cross paths with this person in the future (e.g. job interview).

In conclusion, keep it tact and diplomatic, while relishing in those little juicy gems of information that help us keep perspective on meaningful living and guide us to making smarter decisions.