What do you do when someone gossips to you about someone else whom you both know?

[patrice]

Gossip is a universal Amerikan past-time.

In group situations, especially those groups directed toward some supposedly shared goals, gossip is particularly destructive.

What do you do when people gossip about other people you're working with, in a task-oriented group?

[zanne]

1. I wouldn't participate in the gossip.

I wouldn't confront the person directly on how they may be damaging the group, but I might do something a little passive-aggressive, like talk about the "gossiped" person's good points.

[patrice]

2. That's my usual preference, but sometimes I get fed up.

And lose my temper. I can't understand why people who disagree don't just work it out between them on a personal level. All of the Indirection in this kind of experience is frustrating.