Gossip is discussing anything negative with someone who can’t help solve the problem.

Gossip kills culture by dividing instead of unifying.  Gossips tell themselves they are helping, but they are really spending time toiling in affairs they can not influence or resolve.  For those who listen to gossip, it undermines passion for their work and confidence in their team.  It isn't good for anyone.

Great Minds Discuss Ideas; Average Minds Discuss Events; Small Minds Discuss People - eleanor roosevelt

We have all been guilty of crossing the line in this area.  It is so easy to do.  We need each other's help to stay out of the gutter and be dedicated to bringing out the best in each other.  Fortunately, everyone here cares about doing better and being better.

Here is how to keep gossip from infecting our culture:
1. Don't participate.  If you feel bitterness towards someone, and you're not resolving the issue directly with that person, it will infect your general attitude and people will notice.
2. Don't entertain gossip.  Be discerning about when casual conversation shifts towards running someone down.  It is always subtle.  When you let someone gossip to you, you are letting them down, yourself down, and everyone at Vessel.
3. If you have an issue with a person or client, your first step should be to engage with that person in a friendly and constructive manner to resolve the problem.  As Pete and I like to point out, this is what normal adults do.
4. If you can't or won't resolve an issue directly with someone, talk to someone in a position to help solve the problem.

The first time we fired someone, it was for divisive gossip.  We take it seriously and we count on each of you to help us guard Vessel's culture of building each other up, not tearing down.

And that is why we have a no-gossip policy.