Advice needed - walking into potential minefield

[Lynn 007]

Hello
I am starting a temporary assignment tomorrow in a different department of my current employer. This will be in a new location with people I have never met. I was offered the position permanently but I requested a contract instead so I could get the feel for the work itself and working environment.

Through a few conversation I've had with the executives I get the impression I may be walking into a potential minefield of gossip, backstabbing and somewhat nasty people. The person who was in the position is on stress leave. I have zero tolerance for work drama or drama in general.

As the new person people will want to see what I'm made of and I assume will try to start planting seeds in my head on the latest office gossip.

Normally I would just come out and say I'm not interested and walk away. I would like to use this new opportunity to promote kindness and especially teamwork which I get the feeling this office is lacking.

The work itself seems interesting. Provide funding to various agencies that assist people to overcome alcohol, gambling, smoking addictions; along with promoting healthy eating. I was thinking of using Erin's 30 days of gratitude blog but would be open to any other ideas.


Thanks

[Clint Cora]

Good for you for not falling into the office gossip trap. Yes, it's a tricky zone to manoveur if you want to stay out of the gossip trap but still get the respect of others. But that's all part of your development opportunity. Good luck with it.

[HJM32471]

You will have to trade very carefully with your new work mates. You should ensure to let your colleagues know the wrong side of gossip and how detrimental it is. It is a good test of your personal development though. Good luck.