“I shouldn’t be telling you this’ but…”“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that! I can’t wait to tell someone.”“I know I shouldn’t spread gossip but it is so much…”
At one stage in my life I was an LAC working in the Maintenance Control Section of ATTU (Air Transportable Telecommunication Unit) at RAAF Richmond. During this time I assumed command of Rumour Control.
“Pssst, don’t say anything but I heard the CO is giving us a sporty on Wednesday.” “Pssst! The CO is standing us down early of Friday, don’t tell anyone!”
One day the phone rang, lifting the receiver I heard the following – “Lima Alpha Charlie this is Charlie Oscar. I heard a rumour that you may be Charlie Bravo (confined to barracks) this weekend.” I quickly replied, “Message received loud and clear Charlie Oscar, Sir. Nothing further? Over?” The CO responded; “Charlie Oscar – out.” Rumour Control immediately ceased all operations.
Rumours can cause big problems, disappointment, disagreements and trouble. That is why scuttlebutt is frowned upon aboard Her Majesty’s Ships. However malicious gossip is far worse it is vindictive, destructive and downright dangerous. It ruins morale, destroys teams and kills trust. A liar once said, “sticks and stones will break your bones but words will never hurt you.” Words hurt and can maim a person, destroying relationships and stealing their happiness. This is a grim reality but some people get a great deal of satisfaction from gossiping and some engage in the practice with malicious intent. We should all stop it. So how do we stop it?
Here are a few questions that protect us and others from GOSSIP.
1. Why are you telling me this? Or, why am I telling others this?
2. Where did you get your information? Or, where did I get this information?
3. Have you spoken to the person involved? Or, have I spoken to the person involved?
4. Have I personally checked all of the facts?
5. Can I quote you on this when I check this out? Or, are you prepared to be quoted?
THESE ARE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS which if used will save us and others from considerable pain and heartbreak. So start using these questions and modify questionable behaviour.
“You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say. What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences. Proverbs 18:20-21
The eChap’s prayer for today.
Lord God, guide my tongue because the words I speak out I can’t call back again. Let my words be kind, sweet and good. Don’t let me speak words that are poisonous. In Jesus name, Amen