Gossip

Gossip can be a very destructive behaviour. And yet, it is commonplace. In fact, Gossip has its benefits as well as drawbacks. Gossip is a strategy to meet a need such as: Connection - by showing we know private things about other people, we increase our social connections and status; Self-Gratification - by comparing other people's perceived negative qualities to our own, we see ourselves in a more beneficial light; Voyeurism - a type of morbid curiosity and enjoyment of drama; Contribution - by informing others within a social network, we feel that we are protecting our community. Sometimes you might get a client who uses gossip in the coaching session. This can be an unconscious insight into the deeper issue and can be used to delve deeper. Coach self-awareness around this behaviour and challenge the client to use it with the right intent.