Human Resources Newsletters

TOPIC FOR CONSIDERATION—Gossip in the Workplace

R ealistically, there will never be a complete stop to workplace gossip. It is unfortunately inherent but in the workplace it must be addressed. Casual talk can easily turn into harmful gossip, even slander. Be mind- ful that when on agency time, what employees discuss has a direct impact on what they produce and how they produce it. Don’t waste valuable work time.

“ With integrity, you have noth- ing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.”

As stated, at its worst, gossip can be vicious, untrue, and defamatory. Remember that the spread of gossip involves you in unprofessional behavior that can cause irreparable damage to your image and that of others. You may be helping to spread a lie.

Should you receive information that you know is deliberately misleading or even damaging speculation, you have the responsibility of not spreading such gossip.

You may know something that may even be true; that does not mean that it is worth saying. The matter may be none of your business, or unkind to speak about.

Gossip in any form will not be tolerated at the Mississippi Community College Board.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I t is an exciting time at the MCCB! We are working on creating a cohesive and comprehensive vision and approach for our agency’s professional development. This will be better achieved with your input. Before the end of April, each MCCB staff member will receive a survey link. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to provide a response to the survey questions. Your response will help guide our training and pro- fessional development plans for July 2019-June 2020.

Major PD initiatives underway include:

1) Creating a comprehensive and strategic professional development plan for the agency 2) Exploring how to become a CEU authorized provider 3) Introducing a professional development catalog that highlights all of the exceptional training we provide as an agency and with our partners

Interviews have been scheduled with each office director and or division leader. The feedback gathered dur- ing the interviews will support the major PD initiatives underway. We thank everyone for the support and

eagerness to contribute to the development of the MCCB PD vision. Here’s a look at the professional development events coming this quarter: Mandatory Training: Drug Awareness – April 18, 2019 @ 2pm Director Training: Crucial Accountability – May 15, 2019 @ 9:30 am Technology Series: Cybersecurity – May 16, 2019 @ 2pm Technology Series: Tech Tools – June 20, 2019 @ 2pm

Dr. Krystal Thurman Director of Professional Development