Capitalise on grapevine
`GUESS what I just heard through the grapevine?'
You could probably grab more attention with this single sentence than you would if you cartwheeled down the office corridor hollering at the top of your voice.
Okay, so the allegory is a bit too stretched, but it does help put the point across. And, the point is that we are all plugged into office news, idle rumour and the grapevine gossip at one level or other - however guilty we may feel about it. Whether it is a heated lunchroom debate about a possible change in the company policy or discussing the latest spat between the CEO's secretary and the new receptionist, gossip is an unavoidable part of any work culture. While malicious gossip and spiteful rumour mongering figure among the seven deadliest sins an employee can possibly commit, the office grapevine finds a place in the corporate conundrum as an informal channel for communication, and as a quick and easy source of information. It would be very naοve indeed to dismiss it as mere gobbledygook.
In workplaces where formal channels of communication are not very forthcoming, the grapevine serves as a convenient channel for disseminating important news. In such cases, it is beneficial to keep your ears open and stay alert to the bits of data that filter through the network. To make the grapevine work for you, you must take everything you hear with a grain of salt.
Smart people use the office grapevine to their own advantage: In companies that are in the midst of major transition, grapevine works overtime. Whether it is an intended merger or an anticipated round of layoffs, the news inevitably leaks out. In fact, many companies experience a significant increase in resignations just before the formal announcement of layoffs or downsizing. Managements would be doing a disservice to the organisation if they try and squash out the rumour network. "It is next to impossible. The grapevine has had, and will always have, an integral presence in any work environment. The more you try to subdue rumours with strong-arm tactics, the higher it will rear its ugly head. Instead, get a few influential people and start your own rumours -truthful ones. Tell everyone the facts," is an HR expert's advice to companies. "Don't wait for all the details. Just make sure the truth gets out there, fast," says he.
Employees can use the grapevine to spot problems and seize opportunities. For example, let us suppose the management is looking to recruit a person for a position in sales. You are interested in the job, but you are not too sure about your chances in the face of competition. You could speak about it informally to someone in the know and find out about the competition or your chances of clinching the job, and prepare accordingly. This sort of information, particularly in big organisations, can be received only through the trusted grapevine.
If you are smart, you could even use the gossip network to spread the good word about your merits. If you have achieved a great success at work or have worked hard on a project, discreetly mention it to someone who is likely to share the information with others. Rest assured, the grapevine will ensure that the word reaches those who matter.
The grapevine does have its drawbacks. First and foremost, you should not listen to everyone and believe everything you hear. A lot of what comes down the grapevine is pure mush. So, before you start believing something you hear, confirm that it is true.
Learn to distinguish between good and malicious rumours. When you do contribute to the network, remember you do so at your own risk. Your words may get distorted. Be very careful about telling even a trusted co-worker anything that you would not want everyone to know. Not everyone is good at keeping a secret.
The office grapevine is helpful if you know how to use the information wisely. And lastly, do be aware of who is most likely to have inside knowledge, and if you are considering acting on the information, do so only on news that is passed on by people in the know.
BINDU SRIDHAR
faqs@cnkonline.com
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