Rumour Control

            Rumours are a part of life, especially organizational life. While they can never be eradicated, they can be controlled. Here are eight ways to do it:

1. Keep people informed. Rumours will not develop if there is no need for a rumour to develop.
2. Be receptive to rumbling from below. Effective managers listen to what their subordinates are saying.
3. Serve as a model to your subordinates. As a leaders, you set the standards of your department by your words and your actions. They may listen to your words, but they will mimic your actions.
4. Tell your employees to come to you with any questions, doubts, or uncertainties. As a leader, it is your responsibility to answer any and all work-related questions from your subordinates.
5. Prepare yourself for the sorts of question subordinates ask. Try to anticipate the sorts of questions they will ask so that you can either have the correct answer ready, or know where to either go—or send the employee—for it. If you are unprepared for the question, tell them you will get back to them—and do so as quickly as possible.
6. If you cannot answer a question, tell then that you cannot, and why. There are some things that are none of their concern, or are too sensitive to be discussed with everyone in the organization.
7. Give answers that do not raise further questions. Keep the answers simple, direct, honest, and complete.  
8. Make sure that the people you are talking to actually understand the answer you are giving them. Do not assume you have been understood. Ask the subordinate to tell you what you told them to make sure they really do understand what you told them. Then ask if they have further questions.