Silence is Golden

“Did you hear that?” “Sally in this department’s manager told her xyz.” “In that meeting, I couldn’t believe they just said that.”

We’ve all heard these things and maybe even said things like it. Whether you’re 12 or 52, people talk. Talking is a great way to make a connection. Here’s an interesting article on the effects of small talk. However, there’s a line between being helpful and being toxic.

2018 psychological study showed that 66% of general conversation is about other employees.

I had a conversation the other day about how having a common enemy can bring people together. However, why does there have to be an enemy? Not everyone plays by the same social rules, but if more people lift each other up instead of putting others down, it might just be a better place.

Why is this a difficult topic? People want to feel included and take part in a conversation. Peer pressure isn’t simply a teen topic. Information has also been known to be a source of power. With great power comes great responsibility.

If you need someone you can express yourself openly to, start with a personal journal. Be thoughtful about how the words you say might impact someone else personally, professionally, or both. If you need someone else to talk to outside of your circle, schedule a call.