Saturday, September 17, 2022

wealthy people simple

 Why are most genuinely wealthy people simple in outlook and conduct? 为什么大多数真正富有的人在观点和行为上都很简单?

I'm 74 years old. The newness of being wealthy has worn off. My career spanned 40 years. I achieved Financial Freedom before age 30. We have been very fortunate. The things that were major purchases are behind us. When I left college I vowed that I would donate 60% of my net income to a human service agency that provides housing and job training including placement to the homeless. Each time my salary increased so did my contribution. Since I was a CEO my contribution was not insignificant. I kept this pledge up to today.

为什么大多数真正富有的人在观点和行为上都很简单?


 我今年 74 岁。 富有的新鲜感已经消退。 我的职业生涯跨越了 40 年。 我在 30 岁之前实现了财务自由。我们非常幸运。 主要购买的东西已经过去了。 当我离开大学时,我发誓要把我净收入的 60% 捐给一个人类服务机构,该机构提供住房和工作培训,包括安置无家可归者。 每次我的薪水增加,我的贡献也随之增加。 由于我是首席执行官,我的贡献并非微不足道。 我一直保持着这个誓言直到今天。

Vancouver Gang Violence : A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

 Vancouver Gang Violence : A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS


温哥华帮派暴力:历史分析

By  DR . KEIRON MCCONNELL KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY 


Page 31

On April 28 , in a shooting that crippled the supply of cocaine to the Dhak - Duhre group , Tomas Gisby ( 47 ) was shot and killed in Puerto Vallarta ( Bolan , 2012d ) . In a prior April incident 31 unrelated to the Dhak - Duhre side of the conflict , Asian gang member Justine Po ( 36 ) , who had been involved in the murder of Lotus gang boss Raymond Chan , was shot and killed . He was the second person involved in Chan's death to be murdered . Po had pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and had served his jail time ( A. Campbell , 2012 ) . 

On May 2 , long - time and feared gangster Ranjit Cheema ( 43 ) was shot and killed outside his home within three months of being released from a California prison ( Pole & Clancy , 2012 ) . The same month , another Dhak - Duhre group associate , Bin Toor ( 35 ) , was shot and killed in Port Moody ( Bolan , 2012d ) . 

On June 25 , another long - time gangster , and founder of the Independent Soldiers , Randy Naicker was shot and killed in Port Moody after leaving a Starbucks ( Bulman , 2012 ) . In the final chapter of the Dhak - Duhre group's conflict with the Red Scorpions , Hells Angels , and Independent Soldiers . Thomas Mantel and Suk Dahk were shot and killed as they exited the Executive Inn Hotel in Burnaby on November 26 , 2012 

Chapter Conclusion 

As I conclude this article , stakeholders must face the harsh reality that violence and gangs in Vancouver are not new , nor are they a product of this new generation . They have been a part of the city's history for almost as long as the city has existed . In this article , I demonstrated that from 1909 to 2012 , gangs were consistently violent : there were murders , there were shootings , and there were gang fights . Innocent bystanders were shot , maimed , injured , and killed . Policymakers can't blame the new generation , media , police , video games , or rap music . The violence was there in the past , possibly even more so than today , there were running gun battles on the streets and gangsters shooting shotguns over the heads of Sky Train commuters . The nostalgic view of gangs in BC as being less violent simply is not the case . This recognition of our violent history with gangs in BC is important because as the community of stakeholders seeks to reduce gang violence , we must face the truth that it has always been part of our social fabric . This research about the history of gangs in BC situates us well for the analysis of how BC gangs are currently constructed and the rational choices members make to join gangs , as opposed to BC's historical gangs . In addition , this research also illustrates the value of the field observations and interviews for comparative analysis .

温哥华帮派暴力:历史分析



 通过 DR 。 KEIRON MCCONNELL 昆特伦理工大学



 第 31 页


 4 月 28 日,在一次导致 Dhak-Duhre 组织无法供应可卡因的枪击事件中,Tomas Gisby(47 岁)在巴亚尔塔港被枪杀(Bolan,2012d)。 在之前的 4 月事件 31 中,与 Dhak-Duhre 一方的冲突无关,参与谋杀 Lotus 帮派头目 Raymond Chan 的亚洲帮派成员 Justine Po(36 岁)被枪杀。 他是与陈的死有关的第二个被谋杀的人。 Po 在事后承认自己是从犯并服刑(A. Campbell,2012 年)。


 5 月 2 日,长期和令人恐惧的黑帮 Ranjit Cheema(43 岁)在从加利福尼亚监狱获释后三个月内在家外被枪杀(Pole & Clancy,2012 年)。 同月,Dhak-Duhre 集团的另一名成员 Bin Toor(35 岁)在穆迪港被枪杀(Bolan,2012d)。


 6 月 25 日,另一位长期黑帮成员、独立士兵的创始人 Randy Naicker 在离开星巴克后在穆迪港被枪杀(Bulman,2012 年)。 在 Dhak-Duhre 集团与红蝎子、地狱天使和独立士兵的冲突的最后一章中。 2012 年 11 月 26 日,Thomas Mantel 和 Suk Dahk 在离开本拿比的 Executive Inn 酒店时被枪杀


 章节结论


 在我结束本文时,利益相关者必须面对严酷的现实,即温哥华的暴力和帮派并非新鲜事物,也不是新一代的产物。 几乎只要这座城市存在,它们就一直是这座城市历史的一部分。 在这篇文章中,我展示了从 1909 年到 2012 年,帮派一直是暴力的:有谋杀、枪击和帮派斗殴。 无辜的旁观者被枪杀、致残、受伤和死亡。 政策制定者不能责怪新一代、媒体、警察、电子游戏或说唱音乐。 过去的暴力事件发生过,甚至可能比今天更严重,街上发生枪战,歹徒用猎枪向空中列车通勤者的头顶射击。 BC 省的帮派不那么暴力的怀旧观点并非如此。 承认我们在不列颠哥伦比亚省的帮派暴力历史很重要,因为当利益相关者社区寻求减少帮派暴力时,我们必须面对这样一个事实,即它一直是我们社会结构的一部分。 这项关于 BC 省帮派历史的研究使我们能够很好地分析 BC 帮派当前的构建方式以及成员加入帮派的理性选择,而不是 BC 的历史帮派。 此外,本研究还说明了实地观察和访谈对比较分析的价值。

5 movements cure body numbness

 https://youtu.be/w43cp8MqnOo


手臂或腿感觉麻木? 做这5个动作,看看整体进步。


 Feeling numb in your arms or legs?  Do these 5 moves and see your overall progress.


Swing arms and raise your heels,  then repeat by swinging arms and raise your toes. Within 2 months, daily do 200 times, all pain and diseases cured, because all the arteries and nerves flow throughout,  and the 8 meridians at your arms, legs and sides are cleared of blockage (if any). Now practice yourself.

This gentleman also has helped many autistic children 自闭症 cured. He is from Port Dickson, Malaysia.


1. Autism Curable if people know how   https://youtu.be/xFuFO8TAPGI 


2. https://youtu.be/Co2cx1IIMcw  


3. Lee Chin Heng specializes in Autism uses Power Press Cure. Punch Power Therapy https://youtu.be/7G2sfFQ9Yz4

RESEARCH BY :

 LEE CHIN HENG 

Hp: 019-6228311

 PORT DICKSON , NEGERI SEMBILAN , MALAYSIA.

 ENQUIRY : LIM MOI ENG hp: 016-2818299


4.  Therapy and *prayer* cured Ethan 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HVI1VKdFVyQ


5.  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KM_OEOg3VhI


WHEN WE BELIEVE IN AND PRAY TO GOD for

" God can use someone so small to make such a big difference in the world "

It seemed to me that working with the human body and being able to fix it was one of the coolest things anyone could learn to do. 在我看来,与人体一起工作并能够修复它是任何人都能学会做的最酷的事情之一。Zài wǒ kàn lái, yǔ réntǐ yīqǐ gōngzuò bìng nénggòu xiūfù tā shì rènhé rén dōu néng xuéhuì zuò de zuì kù de shìqíng zhī yī.

Friday, September 16, 2022

Hardest part is interrupting our reactivity cycle

 To help interrupt this reactivity cycle, I recommend these five steps:


1. Identify the Problem: What exactly is the problem and why is it a problem for you?

2. Identify Its Effects: Identify the negative and positive effects of the problem in all aspects of your life.

3. Identify Your Reaction: Identify how you react to the prob­lem and the effects of your reaction on your life.

4. Identify Potentials for Friendship: Identify avenues for be­friending problems.

5. Identify Small Action Steps: Identify small, realistic steps for action.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM


It’s strange. When we have a problem, it seems painfully clear to us that it is a problem. But when asked how or in what way it is a problem, it is hard for most of us to articulate. Too often, the bottom line is this: “I am not getting what I want.” It is that simple.


Most often, when I ask myself, “What’s the bottom-line problem here?” it becomes clear that this is what I call a “milk-white-or-dark chocolate” issue: It is a matter of preference.

The question then becomes, How important is this preference for me? Is it worth fighting for? If there are multiple preferences at stake, which is most important to me? How do I focus on this priority? Sometimes this first step is all it takes to shrink a big headache into a good-sized laugh.


STEP 2: IDENTIFYING NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE EFFECTS

The next step is to identify the negative and positive effects of the problem. I think it is helpful to explore how the problem affects your life in all areas: physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, occupational, and so­cial. We generally view a problem as affecting one area of our life; how­ever, most problems trickle over into other areas.


For example, if you are not happy with your weight (physical), you may find it spills over to your self-confidence in your relationships (social), your job (work), and even your relationship to God (spiritual). Similarly, you may also find that there are surprising positive effects. Perhaps you have joined a gym (physical) with your partner (relational) and met a new friend (social) or a new business contact (work) while working out. Even with the worst life events—death of a loved one, divorce, life-threatening illness, or sexual abuse—there ultimately is some sort of potential positive develop­ments if you can compassionately stay with them.


In fact, the bigger the problem, the greater the possibility of positive effects in the long run. 


STEP 3: IDENTIFYING YOUR REACTION

The next step is to examine how you react to the problem. When faced with the same problem, we all react differently. So, what are your favorite ways to react: Do you become angry, fearful, or irritated? Do you obsess over it, ignore it, hide it, or dwell on it? Do you feel cheated, freeze up, or gear up for action? Do you become hopeless, highly emotional, or overly logical? Do you react the same to all problems? When do you do what?


Once you identify your reaction, the next question is: How does this affect the situation? In what ways does your response make things better? In what ways worse? Although we dislike answering these ques­tions, the answers offer insight into how we habitually relate to prob­lems, and often those insights are enough to inspire us to do something different.


Typically, when we analyze our reaction to problems, we find we go to war with problems, try to evict them from our lives as quickly as possible, or pretend they are not there. This is where befriending problems can offer a fresh way to respond.

STEP 4: IDENTIFY POTENTIALS FOR FRIENDSHIP

Rather than ignore or attack the problem, take a moment to relate to it a bit differently. Some options include:


Curiosity: Often it helps to be curious about it. What do you not know about the problem or situation? What other reasonable explanations could there be for the situation? Perhaps you made assumptions about another’s intentions or the actual possibilities in a situation? Sometimes when we soften by becoming curious about what is going on, we discover answers and possibilities we could not see in our reactive and panicked state.

Problem as Teacher: For many, it is helpful to wonder about possible lessons you are being allowed to learn. What are you being asked to learn about life, yourself, your relationship, or the human condition by this problem situation?

Problem as Preparation: In what ways might the problem be preparation for things to come? Might it be an opportunity to face a long-held fear? Is there a possible purpose for the problem that we cannot yet see?

Just Is What Is: Other times, it is helpful to acknowledge that this is just how things are in life, at least at this moment. Open­heartedly accepting what is must be distinguished from hopeless resignation. Embracing what is , results in a sense of freedom and liberation.

Situation without Your Interpretation: If you could be in this exact situation without the ability to think that it was a problem—that the situation just “was,” as natural as wind and rain, how would you respond differently? What thoughts and actions might be different?

Each situation must be befriended on its own terms. For example, traffic or a delayed train can be viewed as a divine permission for quiet, peaceful time in an otherwise hectic schedule; a bad restaurant meal, a nice compliment on your own or spouse’s home cooking; an argument with a friend, an opportunity to deepen the connection by moving be­yond Pollyanna conversation. In most cases, if you can come up with even one plausible alternative, your stress level goes down and you can find a more proactive and effective way to approach the situation. 

worst fears—something we believe we cannot bear. It will come, and in fact, such moments typically come several times in all of our lives. In these moments, we will break. Every time. But we must choose whether we break down or break open. We will most likely cry, get angry, and feel overwhelmed at first. But at any point, we are free to choose to befriend the moment.


The first step is simple but terrifying: acknowledging what has just happened. You may not be able to do this with your first major life tragedy, and that is OK. I could not. But as you practice on the little things, you develop the cour­age to one day use it with one of your bigger challenges. Each time you do this, you become braver and more confident that you can survive the next round. And, forgive my honesty, but there will be another one most likely at some point—until the day comes when you simply know that no matter what happens, you will not just survive, but grow through it.


With each new trial I face, I have learned that if I quiet the part of me that wants to run away from the painful reality, the answer comes—with laser-like clarity and a deep-seated calm in my darkest hour. A voice that I know only from the quietest moments of meditation provides the answer. Although meditation is quite useful for daily stresses, you won’t discover the real value of such an arguably boring practice until you face such a moment.


When you can still your mind, you can make agonizing decisions with lucidity and peace. You finally know freedom when you can consciously befriend your worst nightmare. Befriending allows you to be fully present when making life-altering decisions that you can then unwaveringly uphold, even in the most unimaginable of circumstances.


Sunday, September 11, 2022

Looking 10 Years Younger

 Did you know that once you hit 40 years of age, whether you're a man or a woman, your body starts aging FASTER than normal? Studies have shown that without the proper nutrients and exercise, your body will age about 6 months EXTRA for every year that passes. Think about that! If you are 40, that means by the time you hit 44 you will LOOK and FEEL 48. And by the time you reach 60, you will LOOK and FEEL 70 YEARS OLD! We see this every day... just look around you. 

Did you know that 90% of people over the age of 35 lose enough muscle every year to burn off an additional 4 pounds of body fat? That means you not only lose the only thing on your body that creates shape, tone, and strength—you also gain more fat every year, even if your calories stay the same. 

Did you know that all of this is reversible at any age? That there are specific ways to move, eat, and think that tell your brain to STOP this rapid aging process... and even SLOW IT DOWN to the point where you're aging less than a year for every year? That means you can look younger at 40 than you do at 35... or if you're like Becky and I, younger at 50+ than we did at 40!


This is not fantasy talk. This does not require a boatload of anti-aging drugs, supplements, or gimmicks. And, this works for anyone, male or female, and works at any age. 35, 45, 55, 65, 75... you name it. The biology is exactly the same.


 Let's peer into the secret routines of the anti-aging experts. Over the years, I have picked up SO many tips, tricks, and strategies that have allowed you to literally reverse the aging process, at least from a cellular level. That means our body's look, feel, and MOVE younger than our chronological age.


 It always begins with these 5 key principles you must apply in order to STOP the rapid onset of aging that's going on right now, reverse it, and begin "aging backwards" by restoring your body's natural youth hormones.


That said, we have to warn you: What you are about to hear may go against all the conventional diet and exercise advice you've been hearing. That's because the world has, to be utterly frank, gone soft! "Core training", hot yoga, spin classes, tai chí all of these are just fine, but they won't slow your aging, and they certainly will never shape your muscles or burn off stubborn body fat. No way!


These 5 steps reveal the things you absolutely MUST AVOID if you want to slow the aging process, reclaim your health, and achieve your ideal body.

What you need is a splash of cold water, a touch of Old School, and the honest truth. Sound good? Let's dive in!


Step 1: Forget Low-Fat Diets

Forget Low Fat!

Low fat everything has been the craze now for decades and look around. What has that wonderful bit of advice done for the bodies you see? We're fatter, sicker, and more addicted to sugar and carbs than any other time in history. And, we're passing these habits to our kids.


Fats are not to be feared – they're to be embraced. They do not make you fat; rather, they help your body regenerate your power hormones. Testosterone, the 'strength' hormone, for example, is the direct result of cholesterol and dietary fat intake. That's right: "Cholesterol" isn't a dirty word! Your body needs dietary fat and cholesterol in order to produce ANY AND ALL vital hormones.


People on low fat diets look drawn, gaunt, and weak. They are often sick, sometimes to the point of literally breaking down. And, they can never just enjoy eating out. Every meal and every gram must be accounted for. Do you really think this will make you younger? Of course not... it will worry you to death if it doesn't kill you first! 

Step 2: Stop Running in Circles

Stop Spinning Your Wheels!

Gym classes can be fun, if you like sitting in one place and torturing yourself. But have you noticed how little people change their bodies in these classes? Sure, it's good "cardio", but cardiovascular conditioning can be gained with far less time and effort.


Treadmills, and any form of endurance training (especially running) does very little to help the age reversal process. Many times, these long-duration exercise bouts accelerate the aging process by increasing free radicals. These free radicals are scavengers that prey on your body's essential nutrients and tissues.


There's a smart way to exercise... we'll cover that in a minute. And, what's wonderful is that it takes you about ¼ the time of traditional workouts. 

Step 3: Stop Blaming Everything On How Old You Are

Stop Spinning Your Wheels!

The guys to the left are not fat because they are old—they're fat because they eat, think, and move like a fat, old, dying person! Becky and I are both in our 50s—older than the guys in this photo—and I still sport a nice six-pack, and Becky transformed her body from the typical "middle age mom" to a slim, toned, and super-sexy woman who looks 10 years younger. 


Listen: Your body doesn't own a clock. Studies have shown that men and women in their 90s were able to gain muscle tone in just a matter of weeks of simple weight training. I've personally seen men and women transform their physiques at literally all ages—25 to 95!


If you're around those naysayers who are constantly talking about growing old, all their aches and pains, and how life is just down hill after 40—LEAVE! Surround yourself with positive thinkers who absolutely crave a challenge. A challenge is what keeps you YOUNG, and the best challenge there is happens to be taking control of your health and body. 


Step 4: Avoid Chronic Dehydration

Drink Your Water!

Water isn't just "good for you" — water burns fat. Water suppresses hunger. Water renews your skin. Just drinking 12 ounces of pure water every day can take a few years off your face in a matter of weeks. You'll also drop fat, have more energy, and save your kidneys and liver from chronic overwork.


When your kidneys are taxed from too little water, your liver has to take over. Now, get this: Your liver is your number one fat-burning organ. Do you REALLY want it processing liquids and toxins rather than BURNING FAT? No way, right? Well, grab a glass of water, and watch the mirror. Within a few weeks, the change to your face and body will be noticeable.

Step 5: Work Out LESS (Yes, Less)

Work Out LESS

If you don't work out at all, you're going to lose muscle tissue every year. That means you'll get fatter and flabbier each and every year with less shape and more sag. Is this what you desire? No way, right?


Well, the answer is old school resistance training. Here's the secret: hardly anyone is doing it right!


Becky and I have seen literally thousand of pro fitness athletes train over the years. The ones who looked the best — and that means looked the youngest, most toned, and had the least amount of unwanted fat — were the ones who left the gym while others were still warming up!

And we do not spend an hour a day in the gym. We have a life, thank you. We have kids, and we value being both fit and real people at the same time.

Clayton Paterson

 https://www.quora.com/profile/Clayton-Paterson-1


What's the best complete exercise methodology for a 60+ man in good health?

I’m 63 and feel terrific. I try to do 200 pushups everyday, plus crunches, sit-ups and leg raises. We should be exercising daily I believe. Our bodies were meant to be used. My pushups and ab work are my warm-up. Then, I have a 5 day cycle of weight lifting - chest, back, shoulders, arms and legs/glutes. Lots of bench pressing, pull-ups, pull downs, squats and lunges. Keep it simple but push relatively heavy. And then, treat yourself to some chocolate! It’s a health food.

C. P. : I’m a proponent of repetition. I know that is against current thought. But I feel that our body thrives on repetition and it also gets used to those movements so less risk of injury. I pretty much do the same thing in a five day cycle but with minor adjustments every so often. 

Those 200 pushups, situps, crunches, stretching daily followed by weights. 

Chest is flat, incline flys. 

Shoulders are various raises. 

Back is pullups, lat pull downs, rows. 

Arms are curls for biceps and skull crushers for biceps (pushups with a narrow grip too).

 Legs are bodyweight squats, walking lunges with 25 pound dumbbells, step ups with weights, hamstring curls and leg lifts.

 About 1 hour in total. But, minimal rest.

1. How to Do a Push-Up

https://www.verywellfit.com/the-push-up-exercise-3120574 


2. How to Do Sit-Ups

https://www.verywellfit.com/how-to-do-sit-ups-techniques-benefits-variations-5075764 


3. How to Do a Crossover Crunch

https://www.verywellfit.com/crossover-crunch-abdominal-exercise-3120063 


4. How to Incline Dumbbell Press: 

https://www.verywellfit.com/how-to-do-incline-dumbbell-press-4588212 


5. How to Do a Side Lateral Raise

https://www.verywellfit.com/side-lateral-raise-4588211 


6. How to Do Pullups

https://www.verywellfit.com/pullup-bar-exercises-for-upper-body-strength-3120735


7. How to Do a Lat Pulldown:

https://www.verywellfit.com/how-to-do-the-lat-pulldown-3498309 


8. How to Do the Seated Cable Row: 

https://www.verywellfit.com/how-to-do-the-cable-row-3498605 


9. How to Do Biceps Curls:

https://www.verywellfit.com/how-to-do-the-biceps-arm-curl-3498604 


https://www.quora.com/profile/Oliver-William-16

Why are biceps so hard to grow?

5 REASONS YOUR BICEPS AREN’T GROWING



1. Get Off the Swing


If you want massive biceps then force them to move the weight from point A to point B, not the lower back and anterior delts. By using momentum and swinging the weight out of the bottom position you are only robbing yourself of the type of powerful contraction it takes to ignite muscle growth. You will get far more out of curling a 100 lb. BB for 10 strict reps than curling a 150 lb. BB for 10 sloppy ones. 

2. The Wrist Curl


I have heard time and again bodybuilders complain that they get a better forearm than biceps pump from curls. Nine out of 10 times this is because they initiate the movement with the forearm flexors rather than the bis by curling the wrists back. When performing curls no matter the type make sure to keep the wrists in line with the forearms throughout the entire set.

3. Don’t Stop Short


The way to force the most muscle fibers into exhaustion is by moving them through their full range of motion. Start every rep with the biceps fully lengthened to get the most out of every set and to take advantage of the growth-inducing effects directly initiated by stretching a muscle under tension which include satellite cell activation and local IGF-1 release.


4. The Main Squeeze

Just like getting a good stretch is vitally important for inducing hypertrophy so is a strong peak contraction at the top of any kind of curl. If you take a moment to flex and squeeze the biceps hard when at the full contraction point of every rep you will create greater blood flow fire off more muscle fibers and increase lactic acid burn all of which will increase the possibility of adding inches to your arms. 

5. Staying in One Place


We are creatures of habit and tend to stick with what is comfortable. While this is fine in some areas of life it can be a detriment to those looking to build massive bis. While it is basic flexion of the upper arm that stimulates the biceps you do not have to work with the same grips angles or planes of motion over and over. Use a close medium or wide grip on a bar.


Curl seated standing leaning forward or on an incline of varying degrees. Pull from a lower pulley or upper pulley. Grab the DB’s in the middle or with the thumb or pinkie touching the plates. Small tweaks to basic curling movements will recruit unique sets of motor units and shift emphasis between the two biceps heads.


These 5 steps reveal the things you absolutely MUST AVOID if you want to look younger, to boost your immunity, reclaim your health, and achieve your ideal body.


10. 


Monday, September 5, 2022

When Gossip Can Be Healthy

 This is when gossip can be healthy in the workplace

We know that talking about others can create toxicity (even if it feels cathartic in the moment). But this other sort of gossip can actually be useful.

“So, I heard that . . .” What follows is generally some piece of gossip—essentially defined as conversation involving reports about other people. (These reports may be confirmed or unconfirmed. We can think of confirmed reports as “news” and unconfirmed reports as “rumors.”) 

Gossip comes in a couple of forms. Sometimes, we focus on information about the personal lives of other people—their relationships, struggles, successes, and life events. Most people find this kind of gossip endlessly fascinating. As a social species, our cognitive systems are set up to seek information about the people in our network. 

This kind of gossip can bring people together or it can create factions. When we celebrate other people’s successes and positive life events, we are bringing our community together. When we let team members know about a sad experience in the life of a colleague, it can create outpourings of sympathy and attempts to help. These are quite positive uses of gossip that can improve the overall sense of community. 

Of course, not all gossip has this positive influence. Stories that focus on presenting a colleague in a bad light can undermine a sense of camaraderie. Talking about a failure a colleague has experienced with the intent of sharing a little schadenfreude reinforces a sense of “us versus them.” In addition, spreading rumors you have heard about others can be a significant problem if those rumors turn out to be untrue. The simple rule is that if you wouldn’t want to tell the person to their face the personal information you’re sharing with other people, you probably shouldn’t spread it. 

The other type of gossip involves news and rumors about professional things happening in the office. This gossip is fascinating for a different reason. The future is always uncertain to some degree, and uncertainty provokes anxiety. Any time you have information that helps you better predict the future, it can reduce that stress (though if the gossip predicts problems in the future, that can create a different kind of anxiety).

There is less danger in sharing both confirmed and unconfirmed gossip about the way the organization is functioning. Business involves a lot of strategic planning, and you cannot make plans without any sense of what is coming. It can be helpful to make some educated guesses about what is likely to happen in order to generate alternatives about what you might do. The rumor mill is one source of information for those guesses.

In addition, organizational gossip generally falls in the category of information that brings people together. The shared worldview you get from professional gossip allows everyone to work with a set of assumptions that can make it easier to have discussions about how to address upcoming challenges. 

Remember, however, that rumors are unconfirmed tidbits. Despite the old adage “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire” (which suggests that there is always a kernel of truth in any rumor), just because lots of people are sharing some gossip doesn’t mean that it has any validity. As healthy as it can be to plan based on information you hear, don’t make any significant decisions until you have more certainty about what is to come.