It's difficult not to become involved in gossip at work. After all, people like gossip and interesting bits of information: you only have to look at the number of celebrity-focused publications to realize that we have a huge appetite for discussing other people's lives. At work, however, this type of interaction is harmful and costly. It wastes time, damages reputations, promotes divisiveness (分歧)and creates anxiety.

Rumours often grow because people like to be " in the know". Knowledge is power, and that's why the people with the least amount of power in an organization can often be the ones to start and spread rumours. It can make them feel important if they're seen to know things that others don't.

This knowledge is at the centre of why and how ru?mours start and spread. Insufficient (不足的)knowledge or incomplete information is often to blame. Consider these examples:

?People don't know why a colleague was fired, so they make up a reason based on some limited knowledge or insignificant facts. "I saw John override(打开)the cash register the other day without a supervisor present. Maybe he stole some money and that's why he went."

?People see a pattern of behaviour between two individuals and they add their own explanation. "Joseph and Samantha spend a lot of time together after hours 'catching up on paperwork'. And just yesterday, they were sitting awfully close to each other in the meeting. I bet paperwork isn't all that's getting done after work!"

These rumours are typical of the things you'll face at work, and they spread because of a lack of accurate information. So, the best way to fight rumours is with good communication. When you communicate well, your team knows what's happening, and they trust that you'll keep them informed. Good communication within your team also means that you will become aware of any rumours that are starting, and you'll be able to address them quickly and effectively.

5.    The huge number of celebrity-focused publications reveals that     .

A.    celebrities depend on publications to achieve fame

B.    people like discussing other people's lives

C.    the publishing industry is booming

D.    celebrities are rather disturbed by rumours

6.    The passage is developed mainly .

A.    by using time order

B.    by making comparisons

C.    by giving figures

D.    by giving examples

7.    What is the relationship between Joseph and Saman?tha in the eyes of the people spreading rumours?

A.    They are lovers.

B.    They are work partners.

C.    They are rivals.

D.    They are old friends.

8.    What is mainly discussed in the last paragraph?

A.    How to fight rumours.

B.    Why rumours start.

C.    How to communicate with colleagues.

D.    Why knowledge matters.

Investing in yourself

Figuring out how to invest your money can be a dif?ficult task. This is something that you will want to learn how to do.

9 Things that will improve your knowledge, skills or health are all great investments. However, be?fore you start, you need to be clear about what you will gain out of doing all of these things.

You may think investing in yourself means inves?ting in your education. 10 . There are some other things you can do, such as buying a gym membership or learning a new skill.

So what are some specific things you can do? 11 . Reading books can really expand your mind and allow you to learn different skills and gain knowledge. I'm talking about the books where you will actually learn a new skill, not fiction books.

You can also take courses and attend seminars. These programmes are taught by people with a high level of knowledge or skill. 12 Only in this way can you avoid being fooled by some sales presentation.

Moreover, investing in yourself is a safe way to keep your money. Although a savings account is seen as the most secure investment, that isn't 100% safe. Even if you never experience your bank closing down, the return is little when inflation(通货膨胀)is taken into con?sideration. 13 But over time, they will show up in terms of your happiness level as well as your level of success.

A.    This is just one way.

B.    The benefits will stay with you.

C.    If you aren't a reader, you should start with that.

D.    The more you do this, the more valuable you will be.

E.    Of course, you need to do some research before in?vesting.

F.    The best way to invest your money is to invest it in yourself.

G.    When you invest in yourself, you may not see gains right away.

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