How to start changing an unhealthy work environment | Glenn D. Rolfsen | TEDxOslo

Summary

In this insightful talk, a psychotherapist explores the harmful impact of backbiting in the workplace and offers a solution to combat it. Drawing on Socrates' triple-filter test, the speaker defines backbiting as negative talk about others in their absence, which leads to toxic work environments. Through a strategy called 'Gossip 2016,' the speaker encourages workplaces to eliminate gossip by creating a written commitment and regularly checking progress. Emphasizing personal responsibility, the speaker calls for adults to model positive behavior, setting an example for younger generations to follow.

Takeaways

• 😀 The impact of rumors and gossip on perception: Negative rumors about someone can significantly affect how they are perceived in a conversation or workplace.
• 😀 Backbiting in the workplace: Many employees and leaders struggle with unhealthy working environments, often due to negative talk about colleagues when they are not present.
• 😀 The importance of addressing workplace toxicity: Even experienced professionals, like psychotherapists, may struggle to change toxic work environments despite their best efforts in conflict resolution and coaching.
• 😀 The concept of backbiting: Backbiting is defined as talking negatively about a third person who is not present. It’s a widespread issue in workplaces and can harm relationships and productivity.
• 😀 Socrates' triple-filter test: Socrates used a simple three-question test to determine whether information is worth sharing: Is it true? Is it good? Is it useful?
• 😀 Why people engage in backbiting: People often backbite to elevate themselves or seem interesting, by sharing juicy information that others don’t have. This behavior can be seen as a form of bullying.
• 😀 Desire for a gossip-free workplace: Many individuals would prefer to work in environments where backbiting and gossip are eliminated, highlighting the widespread appeal of a healthy workplace culture.
• 😀 The 'Gossip 2016' solution: The speaker proposes a project to eliminate backbiting in the workplace, involving collective commitment and regular check-ins to monitor progress and accountability.
• 😀 Benefits of eliminating backbiting: Implementing the 'Gossip 2016' approach can lead to lower absenteeism, reduced sick leave, minimized fragmentation, and increased productivity in the workplace.
• 😀 Role modeling for children: Adults must model positive behavior by refraining from speaking negatively about others in front of children, teaching them that it’s not acceptable to backbite or gossip.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker addresses in this talk?

The speaker addresses the negative impact of backbiting (gossiping behind people's backs) in workplaces and how it creates a toxic and unhealthy work environment.

What is the 'Triple-Filter Test' introduced by Socrates?

The Triple-Filter Test consists of three questions to ask before spreading gossip: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it good? 3) Is it useful?

Why does the speaker believe backbiting occurs in the workplace?

The speaker believes backbiting occurs because individuals want to elevate themselves by talking others down, while also gaining a sense of importance from sharing 'juicy' information.

What is 'Gossip 2016' and how does it work?

'Gossip 2016' is a strategy where employees sign a commitment to work in a place without backbiting. The group is asked questions about gossip in the workplace, and they agree to work together for six months to eliminate it, with regular progress checks.

How does the speaker suggest handling gossip in the workplace?

The speaker suggests identifying the presence of gossip, defining it, asking employees if they want to eliminate it, and then making a collective commitment to reduce gossip, using tools like the Triple-Filter Test and progress checks.

What does the speaker mean by 'role modeling' in the context of this talk?

Role modeling refers to adults setting a positive example by refraining from gossiping themselves. The speaker emphasizes that children learn from adults, and if adults engage in negative talk, they send the message that such behavior is acceptable.

How does the 'No Backbiting' pledge affect workplace dynamics?

The pledge creates accountability among employees, encourages positive behavior, and fosters a more open and respectful environment. It has been shown to reduce absenteeism, sick leave, and improve productivity.

Why does the speaker mention the concept of 'gossip' as a form of bullying?

The speaker highlights that backbiting is a form of adult bullying, where individuals tear others down to feel superior. This creates a toxic atmosphere and harms workplace relationships.

What long-term results has the speaker seen from implementing 'Gossip 2016'?

The speaker reports significant improvements, including reduced absenteeism, lower sick leave, minimized workplace fractionation, and increased productivity in organizations that implemented 'Gossip 2016.'

What lesson does the speaker believe children learn from adults regarding gossip?

The speaker believes that children learn from adults' behaviors. If adults talk negatively about others, especially when they are not present, it teaches children that backbiting is acceptable behavior.