The Fire Extinguisher or the Gasoline
One of the biggest threats to building a great company culture is gossip. It often hides under the disguise of “just venting” or “sharing feedback,” but the intent is different. It’s not about solving a problem, it’s about spreading one. While it can make some people feel temporarily connected (bonding over someone else’s shortcomings) it ultimately erodes trust across the organization. When people hear others speaking negatively, they begin to wonder what’s being said about them.
I often tell our leaders that gossip is like a small fire. When someone starts to engage you in a negative conversation, you have two choices: you can grab the gas can or the fire extinguisher.
Anthony being prepared to put out little gossip fires
If you choose the gas can, you add fuel to the flames. You chime in, share your own frustrations, and before long, the fire spreads, pulling others that are eager to be part of the conversation into the negativity. It might feel good in the moment because you’ve “bonded” with someone, but that connection comes at the expense of someone else’s reputation and the team’s trust.
If you choose the fire extinguisher, you stop the spread. You listen, acknowledge the person’s frustration, and then redirect them toward a healthier path. Something as simple as, “I can understand that was frustrating, have you talked to them directly?” can change the entire tone. It turns gossip into accountability, and complaint into conversation.
As leaders, it’s our responsibility to set the tone. Gossip will always exist, what matters is how we respond to it. Each time we choose the extinguisher over the gas can, we strengthen trust and show our teams that problems are meant to be solved, not spread.
Fires can destroy a culture, but they can also forge stronger teams when handled the right way. When you lead with trust, honesty, and care, you don’t just put out fires, you build a workplace where they never have a chance to start.
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Leadership Development
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. Be the one that puts out fires! Join us at our MIBE Summit January 25th - 27th.
