Trolls

Are you a troll or have you had an occasion to throw what I call a “troll bomb”?  In internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous or off-topic messages on a blog or online news article with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response.

Taking this a step further, in the workplace a troll is someone who makes a comment, complaint or innuendo about someone else without going into detail or taking responsibility (we’ve all heard those people who say something and then quickly follow it by saying “don’t tell anyone I said that” or “I just thought you should know”).

What do you do?  Here’s what I do:

Thought 1:  When someone makes a comment online or in person to illicit a reaction, don’t react.  Keep in mind, these people are cowards, lack integrity and/or are insecure.  Feel sorry for them and move on – particularly when it comes as an anonymous comment on the internet.

Thought 2:  Understand that trolls have too much time on their hands and are spending their time in unproductive, unsuccessful pursuits.  Zingers are different than thought provoking discussion.  The first alienates people, the second engages people.

Thought 3:  When a troll comes to you in person with a complaint, comment or innuendo, ask for evidence and details.  You may say, “what makes you think that?” or “what do you mean by [fill in the blank]”.  If the troll can’t come up with anything concrete explain that until they can give you details you can’t take any action.

Thought 4:  Don’t take any action.  Don’t pass on the comments, complaints or innuendos to the subject.  Passing these along without evidence instantly makes you a troll.  You can remain aware, without taking action on something that may or may not be true.

Thought 5:  If you do receive evidence, understand what you’re expected to do with this information.  Remember that you can’t do anything with “I just thought you should know”.  I usually follow that statement with “why?”

Thought 6:  GOSSIP – as I write this I’m reminded of the definition of gossip.  When you’re mentioning someone else and they aren’t present, it’s gossip.  It doesn’t matter if the discussion is positive or negative.  Experiment for one week – commit to not talking about others who aren’t present.  Stop others from talking if they are discussing someone who isn’t present.

Remember that trolls want one thing, an emotional reaction.  Do you work with any trolls?  Have you experienced any trolls?  What do you do to minimize their impact?  Leave your comments below.

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