Anti-Gossiping Policy

ANTI-GOSSIPING POLICY

Background

Definition of “gossip”:

Purpose

TOPP KIDS Out of School Clubs/Foundation has a zero tolerance for gossip.

Gossip is an activity that can drain, corrupt, distract and downshift team member satisfaction. It has the potential to destroy an organization or an individual person. Most people involved in gossip may not intend to do harm, but gossip can have such a negative impact as it has the potential to destroy a person’s life, and ruin TOPP KIDS credibility.

Any member of TOPP KIDS who is proven to participate in or instigate gossip about any other member of TOPP KIDS will receive disciplinary action and may lead to termination.

WHAT DEFINES “GOSSIP”?

Gossip is:

• Talking about someone’s personal life when they are not present
• Negative and unwelcome gossip criticizing another person or persons
• Repeating information that can injure a person’s credibility or reputation
• Repeating a rumor about another person
• Repeating a rumor that is overheard or hearsay
• Repeating information given to you in confidence without that person’s permission or knowledge

WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF GOSSIP?

Gossip is negative as it results in:

• Lost productivity and wasted time
• Erosion of trust and morale
• Increased anxiety among the team as rumors circulate without any clear information
• Growing divisiveness among Team Members as people “take sides”
• Hurt feelings and reputations
• Jeopardized chances for the gossipers’ advancement as they are perceived as unprofessional
• Team Members leave the organization due to the unhealthy team atmosphere
• A toxic atmosphere

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT IS “GOSSIP”?

If you are tempted to participate in rumors or gossip, it is always a good idea to step back and ask yourself several questions:

• Is what I am about to say true?
• Is it harmless?
• Is it necessary?
• How would I feel if someone said something similar about me?
• How would I feel if I saw my words quoted in the daily paper tomorrow?
• How am I going to feel later if I say this or listen to this?
• Does gossiping honor my own personal values?
  

Much is to be gained by turning down the opportunity to gossip. With conscious effort and conviction, educators can do their part to derail the harmful effects of destructive gossip and keep the TOPP KIDS environment healthy and happy for all.

Remember- WE ARE A FAMILY!

WHAT CAN TOPP KIDS TEAM MEMBERS DO TO PREVENT GOSSIP?

It is essential that all team members always conduct themselves in such a way as to prevent gossip. It is human nature to talk to each other but how it is conducted is a professional choice. It is very easy to get drawn into the gossip circle, and often difficult to resist. However, to avoid getting involved in non-productive and destructive gossip, members should abide by the following points:

• Ask “How can I help?”. This professional response will generally stop the conversationalist from continuing and if they continue, ask “How is this conversation helping?”
• Do not speak or insinuate another person’s name when that person is not present unless it is to compliment, praise or to ask about matters related directly to their work with TOPP KIDS Refuse to participate when another person speaks about a person that is not present in a negative light
• Do not respond to an email or pass it on to any other person if it is derogatory about another member
• Actively call a halt to a discussion if the person or persons initiate gossip about another person when that person is not present
• If a member of TOPP KIDS does something unethical, incorrect, against TOPP KIDS policies, or is disruptive use the proper channels to bring it to the attention of the programs Management Team so that they can resolve the conflict. If it involves the Management Team, follow the Hierarchical Structure to the next level
• Be a dedicated rehabilitator, behave as an adult and expect the same from others

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR STOPPING GOSSIP?

It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent and stop gossip. It is not only the Management Teams that are responsible for taking action, but also that of the Active Play Coordinators, office team, volunteers and every single member of TOPP KIDS. All members should put a stop to gossip as soon as they hear it.

WHAT SHOULD TOPP KIDS TEAM MEMBERS DO IF THEY HEAR OTHER MEMBERS GOSSIPING?

Firstly, you should follow the suggestions listed above under the topic. “What can TOPP KIDS team members do to prevent gossip?”

Secondly, if you become aware that a TOPP KIDS team member is gossiping about another member, then you have an ethical duty to report the matter to the Management Team. Consider how you would feel if derogatory information about you was being freely discussed amongst other members. We all have an obligation to prevent gossiping in the environment.

You can report the matter to the Management Team confidently and the information provided may only be shared with the Support Management Team and/or CEO and the matter will remain confidential.

A person from the Management Team and/or a Support Manager will be assigned to deal with the issue directly with the person accused. The member responsible for the gossip will be entitled to a fair-hearing and then may be provided with either a verbal or written warning directing them to refrain from further destructive behaviour or may lead to termination.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR HABITUAL GOSSIPERS

TOPP KIDS cannot, and will not, tolerate habitual gossipers. If a member is found to have been involved (as having either instigated, encouraged or contributed to) gossip against another member, then the following consequences may be taken by the Management Team:

• Either a verbal or written warning will be provided to the member directing that they immediately cease the gossiping activity – this may include one on one with the team member.
• If a further incident occurs, the TOPP KIDS Management Team has the right to:
• Discipline the member in a way considered appropriate by the Support Management Team and/or CEO. Disciplinary action may take the form of the following (this list is however not meant to be exhaustive):
  • Removal of the team member from the program.
  • Removal of the team member from any key role held by them such as Room Lead, Program Coordinator, Program Support Manager or any position as appointed by the CEO.
  • Terminate that member from the organization in accordance with the TOPP KIDS Termination Policies.

EXAMPLES OF WHAT CONSTITUTES GOSSIP IN THE TOPP KIDS ORGANIZATION

It is often difficult for members to differentiate what constitutes gossip and what doesn’t.

To try to put things into perspective, think of “gossiping” as “whispering”. If you say something and think that it is necessary to lower your voice, stop and consider that what you are about to say is most likely “gossip”.