[Career change] "Reeling from Rumor"

It happened fast. Fans of Seattle Storm WNBA basketball were heading into the gym for a noontime game when they began to hear the whispers: “Storm and Sonics are moving to Oklahoma.” Some listened to car radios on their way to the game. Others picked up the word from street vendors. Everyone was in shock and you might as well have hung black banners from the rafters. Although newspapers reported the team hadn’t been told, the Storm played a miserable game. So what if you hear rumors that affect your career or your business? (1) Differentiate rumors and gossip. Gossip tends to be presented as fact about people. Rumors tend to be speculations about forthcoming events, according to Ralph Resnow, a former Temple psychology professor. I would add, “Rumors tend to raise questions like, ‘What should we do?’” We feel we need to take action, now or in the present. (2) Assess the impact on your future if the rumor turns out to be true. Let’s face it: I would sorely miss the Storm if they moved across the bridge to Bellevue, let alone to Oklahoma. I probably wouldn’t leave Seattle or change much of my life. But if you hear a rumor about layoffs and mergers, you may realize you could experience very serious consequences. (3) Create a plan for your worst case scenario. For basketball, my worst case scenario means finding a new entertainment (okay, fanaticism) for many summer evenings beginning 2008. For some of my clients, a worst case scenario might mean looking for a new job. Some might consider starting a business. (4) Identify actions to prepare for your worst case scenario. Recently a client emailed to set up a consultation to get his resume revised. He had just heard rumors of a merger affecting his company sometime in the coming fall. “I will probably be safe,” he said, “but I want to be prepared.” “In my experience,” I said, “those who plan ahead tend to be spared the worst impact of a business crisis. No magic: they present a strong image and they think clearly.” Beyond preparing a resume, you have to weigh the consequences of other actions, such as communicating with a recruiter. (5) Present an appearance of calm confidence. I encourage clients to avoid sharing fears and anxieties with others in the workplace, including their own customers. Hire professional resources to deal with feelings and/or make plans for your next career. And finally, during a time of anxiety, everyone will seem like an expert. We’re all tempted to turn to friends, family, neighbors, dog-walkers and even strangers, hoping for facts that will put our worst fears to rest. Chances are, they know less than they claim. I must admit I called a good friend on the East Coast who is a lifelong sports fan. “They’ll never go to Oklahoma,” he said confidently. “No audience! Who watches basketball in Oklahoma?” The next day, I learned that a New Orleans NBA team had temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City following Katrina. Local residents eagerly bought season tickets, raising attendance to sixth in the league. I’m no longer reassured. But I’m motivated to learn a lot more about rumors and continue to work with clients who deal –and reel -- with them.