Unproductive Talk Is Toxic

The July 10 issue of Dilbert (shown below) provides an excellent example of two types of unproductive talk: gossip and complaining. Disparagingly talk about the work of others is gossip and contributes to animosity, bad feelings, and conflict.  Complaining (also known as BMW = bitching, moaning, and whining) is a morale killer and contributes to dissatisfaction, anger and frustration, and a sense of helplessness.  Dogbert is wrong, we don’t need more practice with either of these.