05.02.04 The 2nd Consequence of Participating in Negative Gossip

2. Tarnishing Your Reputation

Negative gossip can tarnish, let alone, ruin a gossiper’s image and professional reputation. See what Proverbs 13:3b says (AMP): ³... The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.

Do you think Miriam retained her reputation as a prophetess and lead singer in Israel after being struck with leprosy by the very God who had given her those gifts? Just how tarnishing was the news that a prophetess of her caliber had been punished by God, moreover because of ‘gossip’?

At JuaLink, the vice dented the reputations of Lulu, Obed, Njia, Yubu and others in their clique as we shall discuss more deeply later in this book.

What comes out clearly is that participating in negative gossip can degrade your character thereby raising questions about your professionalism. For instance, it may paint a picture that you are too insecure to express your concerns assertively, preferring to air them in ‘corridors’, with people who may not contribute any smart solutions other than ferrying rumours around. Gossiping may show that you are not bold or mature enough to engage in value-adding conversations, which could diminish people’s opinions about your work ethic! Moreover, you may come across as a person who lacks commitment, kindness, humility, forgiveness, patience, respect and other attributes of a morally upright individual, which could dent your image before listeners. On top of that, colleagues could label you as ‘risky to interact with’, thence preferring to deal with you at arm’s length as we shall discuss more deeply later.

Engaging in negative gossip can damage your credibility should people discover that the rumours you are circulating are untrue; as at JuaLink, where Obed involved a whole chairman and an entire board in false gossip against Faraja and Neema. From that day going forward, the embarrassed board members must have queried Yubu’s credibility and of course, Obed’s.

Finally, involving yourself in negative gossip could permanently ruin your employment record should warning letters be placed on your personal file, as was the case for Lulu and her gossip-infested prayer partners at JuaLink.