I’m sure there are books on this stuff that I should be reading. (In fact, my next project for my next Barnes and Nobles visit…)
GS rumors: Easy, if you find out a rumor has been spread about you, just open a public blog entry and address your side of the story. If it even bothers you that much. If its something stupid and silly, ignore it and move on. But I like to just address it. Like the other day, really weird thing, someone asked me in my journal if I had said something negative about them, which I hadn’t. And I just said to her that I had no clue what she’s talking about and I had never said such a thing. Whether people want to believe it or not, up to them. I could care less these days.
At work: You have to be more diplomatic, and no, you can’t write an expose on the rumor spreader and address the rumor frankly with everyone. At least, that’s never worked for me.
Find out what people are saying about you through good friends who will tell you, and then just show through your actions that those comments are not true.
Ex. Rumor : You’re lazy and you don’t want to work.
Your response: Work harder and try not to let the ball drop, and don’t be afraid of asking people for feedback “Hey, I’m trying to do x, y, z, and I just wanted some tips - am I doing this right? Am I speneding enough time on this project? Does it show I’m putting effort into this? How can I improve my work?” etc etc.
People will automatically stop believing in the rumor when they see you’re not living up to it.
Ex. Rumor: He’s dating the secretary
Your response: Make sure you’re not seen anywhere around her; don’t be caught alone with her; and maybe even approach her and tell her you heard this rumor and that for professionalism’s sake and for the security of both your jobs, you don’t want people to think there is an office affair going on. She’ll do what she can from her end to quell anyone’s suspicion.
I don’t know. Just depends on what the rumor is. But addressing the rumor by calling some meeting or holding a press conference just doesn’t have the same effect as showing it is untrue by your actions. People pick up on stuff you’re doing - they’re watching you when you think you’re not being watched…
So, show them the rumors are untrue by your actions.